LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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THE 



BOEDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK, 



DURING THE REVOLUTION 



OR, THE 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 



BY WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL. 



• ^I"^ ^''^? confederacy, except a little more than half of the Oneidas, took up arms 
agamst us They hung hke the scythe of death upon the rear of our settlements, and 
their deeds are inscribed with the scalping-knife and the tomahawk, in characters of 
blood, on the fields ot Wyoming and Cherry Valley, and on the banks of the Mohawk." 

De Witt Cunton. 



NEW YORK: 
BAKER & SC KEENER, 

145 Nassau Street, and 36 Park Row. 

1849. 



EZh^' 



b 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by 

BAKER & SCRIBNER, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Sontliern 

District of New York. 



EDWARD O. JKNKINS, PRINTER, 
111 Nassau St., New York. 



HON. WILLIAM KENT. 

My dear Sir : Eighteen years ago the following " Annals 
of Tryon County" were dedicated to your illustrious father. 
He, who was regarded by you with such deep filial affection, 
and who was the object of veneration to his friends, has 
ecently, after a long sojourn upon the earth, been gathered 
,0 his fathers in peace. It is a source of unaffected gratifi- 
ation to me, that I was pennitted, when a young man, to 
i^rm his acquaintance, and from that period down to the 
close of his life, continued to share somewhat of his notice 
and his friendship. To you, his son, my early professional 
instructor and my friend, I now present this new edition of a 
work, which, though it has but little intrinsic merit, either in its 
style or arrangement, possesses, perhaps, some interest, from 
the fact .j-hat it was the pioneer history of the border wars of 
our native State. For me it has a melancholy interest, be- 
cause all the actors in the Revolutionary drama who were 
living at the time of its first appearance, in 1831, and from 
whose lips the personal narratives were gathered, have gone 
the way of all the living, and are now numbered with the 
dead. Of the then aged men and women scattered along the 
valley of the Mohawk and the head- waters of the Susque- 
hanna, with whom it was my good fortune to sit down and 



iv HON. WILLIAM KENT. 

listen to the stones of their trials and their triumphs, not one 
survives. 

The materials were, at the time, collected from the manu- 
scripts of the Committee of Safety on the borders, from the 
correspondence of the principal actors, and from the oral 
statements of those who survived to my day. While several 
large volumes have since been written, covering the same 
ground, it is believed that the Annals, as originally drawn 
and published by me, contained all the principal events which 
occurred- upon the frontier of New York during the Revolu- 
tion, and were in all essential particulars correct. When first 
published, the whole history of the border wars of New York 
scarcely made up a page in any then existing historical work. 
As this book was the first, and was prepared from materials 
in ^ great degree new, succeeding writers on the same sub- 
ject drew largely upon it, and, in some instances, made exten- 
sive extracts without credit or reference. My first intention 
was, in presenting a new edition, to revise and alter, but 
upon reflection I determined to leave the work substantially 
in its original form. Since its first pubhcation I have at 
various times examined many additional documents, and pre- 
pared articles which throw some new light upon portions of 
the work, and which tend to confirm its positions and state- 
ments. The original text will be left as it was, and these 
articles, even at the expense of some repetition, will be 
inserted in the Appendix. Such is the " Memoir of General 
James Clinton," read before the New York Historical Society 
in 1837; also, the article on the "Direct agency of the 
British Government in the employment of the Indians in the 



HON. WILLlAiM KENT. ^ 

Revolutionary war," read before the same Society in 1845, 
and the - Centennial Address," delivered at my native town 
of Cherry Valley, in 1840. 

The novelist and the poet have embellished and adorned 
the annals of our brave and patriotic borderers. My ambi- 
tion was to rescue from obUvion, materials for the future 
historian of the Empire State. Like the wandering Arab, 
who, as he passes, lays a stone upon his father's grave, to 
mark the place of his sepulture, I bring my contribution, my 
rough block, in the hope that it may be hewn into shape and 
polished by others, and form a part of that historic colmiin, 
upon which our children and their descendants may read the 
record of the struggles and the patriotism of those ancestors, 
to whom we and they are and will be indebted for our liberty 
and our Republic. 

I am, respectfully, your friend, 

WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL. 

New York, January 1st, 1849. 



TO THE 

HON. JAMES KENT, LL.D. 

LATE CHIEF JUSTICE AND CHANCELLOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, 
AND PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 

i 

THE FOLLOWING- PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 



"Historia, testU temporum et nuntia veritatis, prseclari facinoris famam, posteritatis 
memoria tradet." 



That the, evening of your hfe may be as serene and happy 
as its meridian 
sincere wish of 



as its meridian has been useful and distinguished, is the 



THE AUTHOR. 

New York, 1831, 



PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 



In presenting this volume of Annals to the public, I 
would wish to say a few words as to its origin. It is 
a right which every reader of a book, purporting to 
be a record of facts, possesses, and may exercise, to 
examine its authenticity, and to demand whence the 
author has drawn his conclusions. In the fall of 1830 
a society was formed in the village of Cherry Valley 
for literary purposes generally, but especially for col- 
lecting facts illustrative of the natural and civil his- 
tory of that section of country. I had been often 
requested to collect and imbody the events of its civil 
history, and was again solicited to prosecute this 
branch of inquiry. I at first contemplated writing 
only the history of Cherry Valley. Born and reared 
in that valley, I had, from early life, been in some de- 
gree familiar with the incidents which had occurred 
there. They w^ere interwoven with my earliest im- 
1* 



X PREFACIv 

pressious ; and I entered upon the business of arrang- 
ing and compiling them with an interest which the 
subject, perhaps, did not merit. Upon examina- 
tion, I found its revolutionary history connected 
with that of the valley of the Mohawk, and think- 
ing I might, from the documents and information 
which I had obtained, throw some light upon the com- 
paratively imperfect history of that valley, during that 
interesting period, I dropped the original plan, and 
adopted the one which I have followed in the subse- 
quent pages. I have, however, dwelt more particu- 
larly upon the events which occurred in Cherry Val- 
ley; not that they were more important or interesting, 
but partly from reasons before mentioned, and partly 
for the reason that an accurate account of the minute 
transactions of that settlement was immediately within 
my reach, and upon the authenticity of which I could 
rely with the greatest confidence. 

Some of the written documents were obtained in 
the office of the Secretary of State, but most of th^m 
from the venerable John Frey, one of the chairmen of 
the Tryon County committee, and who is now stand- 
ing almost upon the brow of a hundred years — a mon- 
ument of other days. Several gentlemen, relatives or 
descendants of those who acted conspicuous parts, 
have very politely furnished me with original papers. 
To all of them I would here most sincerely tender my 



PREFACE. XI 

thanks. Some of the accounts, merely traditionary, 
have been obtained from persons conversant and on 
intimate terms w^ith the actors ; but most of them from 
those w^ho could say to me, " pars magna fui." Under 
these circumstances, it is possible there may be errors. 
I have, however, in all cases, compared the state- 
ments where they varied ; and I flatter myself that I 
have generally arrived at the truth. I may be mis- 
taken ; but I have written nothing which I do not be- 
lieve to be true. 

WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL. 

New York, Ana-ust 16th. 1881. 



CONTENTS 



INTRODUCTION, 

Page 
Containing a summarj view of the Iroquois or Six Nations . . Il 

CHAPTER I. 

First Settlement of Cherry Valley— Population of the Province 
of New York at the commencement of the Revolution — Limits 
of the County of Tryon, and Districts in the County .... 27 

CHAPTER II. 

Position of the Province of New York— The gathering of the Storm 
of the Revolution on the Frontiers— The Johnson Family— But- 
lers and Brant— The first Committees of Safety in Tryon 
County, and their noble and patriotic resolves, that they would 
live free or die — Correspondence with Col. Guy Johnson, In- 
dian Superintendent — Departure of the Superintendent for 
Canada, accompanied by the Mohawks, never to return again 
to their homes on the banks of that river which bears their 



40 



CHAPTER III 

Powers and difficulties of the Committees of Safety— Influence of 
the Tories in Tryon County— Character of the Members of the 
Committee— Their patriotism— Sir Jolm Johnson— Correspond- 
ence with him relative to his fortifying Johnson Hall — Capitu 
lation — Afterwards breaks his Parole and goes to Canada — In- 
terview between General Herkimer and Brant at Unadilla, 
and singular termination of it , ... 72 



xiv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Page 

Opening of the Campaign of 1777 — Fort Stanwix, ov Fort Schuy- 
ler — Rumored advance of St. Leger — Militia of Tryon County 
called out by General Herkimer — Siege of Fort Stanwix — Bat- 
tle of Oriskany — Bravery and Death of General Herkimer — 
Retreat af St. Leger— Battle of Saratoga, and brilliant success 
of American Arms 85 

CHAPTER V. 

Cherry Valley — The Religious Character of its Committee of 
Safety — Its exposed situation — Fort built there by order of La 
Fayette — Brant and Capt. M'Kean — Massacre and entire de- 
struction of Cherry Valley, 11th November, 1778 — Melancholy 
Death of all the. Wells family, except the late distinguished 
lawyer, John Wells, of New York — Condition of those who 
were taken prisoners by the Indians 120 

CHAPTER VJ. 

The Expedition, known as Sullivan's ExjDedition, against the Six 
Nations in 1779 149 

CHAPTER VII. 
Settlements in the Valley of Schoharie by German Palatinates in 
the reign of Queen Anne — Revolutionary movements in that 
valley — Destruction of the Settlements — Account of Murphy, 
the famous white border-warrior 1 67 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Harper Family — Harpersfield, Delaware County — Col. John 
Harpfer — His Caj^tm-e of a band of Indians — Captain Alex- 
ander Harjjer taken prisoner, and runs the gauntlet at Fort 
Niagara 18-S 

CHAPTER IX. 
The life of an Officer at Fort Stanwix saved by the sagacity of 
his dog — La Fayette in the valley of the Mohawk — The ravages 
of the valley of the Mohawk by Sir John Johnson iii 1780 — His 
retreat — General condition of the border settlements . . . .189 



CONTEiNTS XV 

CHAPTER X 

Page 

Mohawk Valley in 1781— Fort Dayton— Col. Willet's and Capt. 
M'Keau's battle with the Indians and Tories in the Cedar 
Swamp at Durlach, near the Sharon Springs — Death of the 
brave M'Kean— Battle of Johnstown— Retreat of the British 
under Major Ross— Death of Walter Butler 202 

CHAPTER XI. 

The residence of Mrs. Jane Campbell, wife of Col. Samuel Camp- 
bell, of Cherry Valley, among the Indians as an Indian priso- 
ner — Also a prisoner at Fort Niagara — Her return to Albany 
and Cherry Valley- Tic return of the inhabitants at the close 
of the war — Visit to Cherry Valley of General Washington — 
Eccentric Character of Mr. Shankland — Conclusion. . . . 214 



APPENDIX. 

Speech of Mohawk Chiefs to the Magistrates of Albany, in 1689 . 236 
Sketch of the Life of Sir William Johnson— King Hendrick . . 241 

Sketch of the Life and Character of Joseph Brant 248 

Skenando, the white man's friend 264 

Dr. Moses Younglove — Poetic Description of Indian Customs . 268 

Biographical Sketch of Governor George Clinton 211 

Biographical Sketch of General Philip Schuyler 283 

Battle and Massacre at Wyoming SOO 

A Letter, containing an invoice of Scalps taken by the Senecas . 307 

Song, reciting the brave deeds of one Christian Shell 312 

The Sacrifice ol the Senecas 316 

Number of Indian Warriors employed by the British in the Revo- 
lutionary War . 319 

The Direct Agency of the English Government hi the employ- 
ment of the Indiana 321 

Life and Ser^dces of General James Clinton 338 

Centennial Address, deliveied at Cherry Valley, July 4, 1840 . 867 



NTRODUCTION. 



New York, at the time of its discovery and settle- 
ment by the Europeans, was inhabited by a race of 
men distinguished, above all the other aborigines of 
this Continent, for their intelligence and prowess. 
Five distinct and independent tribes, speaking a lan- 
guage radically the same, and practicing similar 
customs, had united in forming a confederacy which, 
for durability and power, was unequalled in Indian 
history. They were the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onon- 
dagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, called the Iroquois by 
the French, and the Five Nations by the English. 
In cases of great emergency, each tribe or nation 
acted separately and independently ; but a general 
council usually assembled at Onondaga, near the 
centre of their territory, and determined upon peace 
or war, and all other matters which regarded the in- 
terests of the whole. The powers of this council 
appear to have been not much dissimilar to those 
of the United States Congress under the old confede- 
ration. 

Their language, though guttural, was sonorous. 
Their orators studied euphony in their words and in 
their arrangement. Their graceful attitudes and ges- 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

tures, and their flowing sentences, rendered their 
discourses, if not always eloquent, at least highly 
impressive. An erect and commanding figure, with 
a blanket thrown loosely over the shoulder, with his 
naked arm raised, and addressing in impassioned 
strains a group of similar persons sitting upon the 
ground around him, would, to use the illustration of 
an early historian of this State, give no faint picture 
of Rome in her early days.* 

They were very methodical in their harangues. 
When in conference with other nations, at the con- 
clusion of every important sentence of the opposite 
speaker, a sachem gave a small stick to the orator 
who was to reply, charging him at the same time to 
remember it. After a short consultation with the 
others, he was enabled to repeat most of the discourse, 
which he answered article by article.f 

These nations were distinguished for their prowess 
in war, as well as for their sagacity and eloquence in 
council. War was their delight. Believing it to be 
the most honorable employment of men^ they infused 
into their children in early life high ideas of military 
glory. They carried their arms into Canada, across 
the Connecticut, to the banks of the Mississippi, and 
almost to the Gulf of Mexico. Formidable by their 
numbers and their skill, they excited respect and awe 
in the most powerful tribes, and exacted tribute and 
obedience from the weak. 

In 1608, the first efficient settlement was made in 
Canada by Governor Champlain, who founded Que- 



* Smith's History of New York.. f Ibid, 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

bee. At this time the Five Nations were waging a 
desperate war with the Hurons and Algonqiiins, who 
inhabited a part of that province. Champlain, un- 
fortunately for the colony, entered into an alliance 
with the latter tribes, and by furnishing them with 
men and fire-arms, enabled them to gain a temporary 
ascendency.* The confederates, who had always 
been victorious, and who considered the Hurons and 
Algonquins as little better than vassals, could not 
brook this defeat. They applied to, and courted the 
friendship of the Dutch, who found their way up the 
Hudson River, and established themselves at Albany, 
soon after the settlement of Quebec. From them they 
obtained arms and munitions, and soon regained the 
influence and power which they had lost. This op- 
portune arrival and assistance of the Dutch, together 
with their mild, concilatory manners, endeared them 
to the Five Nations, who afterward looked up to them 
for advice and direction in their own affairs, and pro- 
tected and fought for them with cheerfulness and 
courage. But the interference of the French aroused 
the indignation of these haughty warriors ; for almost 
a century they harassed their infant colonies, and 
visited with a dreadful vengeance both the authors of 
their disgrace and their descendants. This, if not the 
iron, was the golden age of the Iroquois. During 
this period, the hardy German passed up the Mohawk 
in his light canoe, and penetrated into the remote 
bounds of their territory, where he exchanged his 

* Vide Edinb. Eilcyclopedia — Art. America. 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

merchandise and munitions of war for the peltry of 
the Indians.* 

In 1664 the province of New York was surrendered 
to the English by Peter Stuyvesant, the last of the 
Dutch governors. The English, perceiving the im- 
portance of being on friendly terms with the Indians, 
exerted themselves to preserve that good understand- 
ing which had existed between the latter and the 
Dutch. Conventions were frequently called at Al- 
bany, at which the governors met and conferred with 
them 5 presents were distributed liberally, and no 
opportunity was neglected to impress them with ideas 
of the wealtli and power of the English monarch. 
The French were not idle. Jealous of the growing 
power and influence of the English colonies, and 
desirous of monopolizing the Indian trade, they 
adopted various plans to detach the Iroquois from 
their alliance with the English. They endeavored 
to break up the confederacy, that they might conquer 
the nations in detail. They attacked the English, in 
hopes that, by gaining some splendid victories over 
them, they would convince the Indians of the weak- 
ness of their allies, and of the strength of their ene- 
mies. They sent missionaries among them, more 
desirous of making allies for France than converts tcr 
Christianity ; in this they partially succeeded ; and in 
1671, persuaded the Caughnawagas to remove from 
their settlements on the Mohawk, and to establish 
themselves in Canada. 

In 1688 the vengeance of the Five Nations was 

* Memoirtj of an American Lady. 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

again aroused by a stratagem of the Dinondadies, a 
tribe at war with them, and in alliance with France. 
The Dinondadies killed several of their ambassadors 
while going to hold a conference in Canada, and 
falsely pretended that they had been informed of their 
jouYney by the French governor. Incensed at what 
they considered a great breach of faith, about twelve 
hundred warriors of the Five Nations landed at Mon- 
treal on the 26th July, 1688, and killed about a thou- 
sand French — men, women, and children, and carried 
away twenty-six prisoners, whom they afterward 
burned alive. The French retaliated for these ag- 
gressions by making incursions into the Indian coun- 
try, and burning their villages. 

In 1690 the French made an attack upon Schenec- 
tady ; took the place by surprise, as it was in the 
dead of winter, and no danger was apprehended ; 
the whole village was destroyed ; about sixty of the 
inhabitants were killed, and most of the remainder 
perished, as they fled naked through the snow toward 
Albany.* 

This was the first intimation the colony of New 
York received that a war was meditated on the part 
of the French ; it was the more perfidious, as nego- 
tiations were then pending in Europe for the purpose 
of settling the claims of the two governments in 
America. During this war the confederates remained 
attached to the English, and rendered important ser- 
vices by harassing the frontiers of their enemies. 
About 1701 a general treaty of peace was made be- 

* See Appendix — iN'ote A. 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

tween the French and Five Nations, which put an 
end to these long and afflicting wars, in which both 
parties had been sufferers. In the early part of this 
century, (about 1712,) the Monecons, or Tuscaroras, a 
tribe of Indians living in the Carolinas, made war 
upon the inhabitants of those colonies ; they were 
vanquished by the colonists, and forced to abandon 
their country ; they are thought to have been allies 
of the Five Nations in some of their southern expedi- 
tions. From a similarity in their language, the con- 
federates supposed them derived from a common 
origin ; they received them into the confederacy, 
assigned them a section of their territory to dwell in ; 
after this they were called the Six Nations. The 
Tuscaroras never possessed the energy and courage 
of the other confederates. Tradition says that they 
were obliged to wear a woman's pocket for a tobacco 
pouch, as a mark of their effeminacy and want of 
courage. 

From the commencement of this century down to 
1750, the French missionaries and agents were very 
successful. That body of men, the French Jesuits, 
who by their zeal put to shame many men engaged 
in a better cause, entered upon this field of labor with 
great ardor. At one time they doffed the clerical 
habit, and putting on the Indian garb, accompanied 
the warriors on distant and hazardous expeditions ; 
and at another, they astonished their savage audience 
with the splendid and imposing rites and ceremonies 
of the Romish church. They spoke in glowing terms 
of the resources and magnificence of le grand Mo- 
narque, as they termed the King of France. 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

They obtained permission for the French to build 
forts in their territory ; and in short, when the last 
French war broke out in 1754, the four western tribes 
went over to the French, and took up the hatchet 
against the English. This war terminated by the 
complete subjection of Canada, and the annexing it 
to the British dominions. The Indians,* however, 

* In 1 '7 74 Governor "William Try on, the royal governor of the prov- 
ince of New York, made a return to the British government, embracing 
the general condition of the province, its civil history, political and 
judicial, the general features of the country, rivers, mountains, cities, 
forts, population, commerce ; in short, giving a complete view of the 
province. This document is among the papers at Albany, obtained by 
Mr. Brodhead, and ought to be published at length. It was the 
closing account of the province of New York, which was soon thereaf- 
ter to give place to the state. 

One of the questions relates to the Indians, and was answered by 
Gov. Try on, upon information derived from Sir William Johnson, and 
the statement may be implicitly relied on. It shows of course the 
numbers and situation of the Indians at the commencement of the 
war. 

" What number of Indians have you, and how are they inclined V 

" The Indians who formerly possessed Nassau or Long Island, and 
that part of this province which lies below Albany, are now reduced to 
a small number, and are in general so scattered and dispersed, and so 
addicted to wandering, that no certain account can be obtained of 
them. They are the remnants of the tribes Montocks and others of 
Long Island, Wappingers of Dutchess Cormty, Esopus, Papagonk, &c. 
in Ulster County, and a few Skachticokes. These tribes have gene- 
rally been denominated River Indians, and consist of about three hun- 
dred fighting men. 

" They speak a language radically the same, and are understood by 
the Delawares, being originally of the same race. Most of these peo- 
ple at present profess Christianity, and as far as in their power adopt 
our customs. The greater part of them attended the army during the 
late war, but not with the same reputation as those who are still 
hunters. 



24 INTRODUCTION. 

witnessing the defeat of the French, had many of 
them returned, before the close of the war, to the 
English, by whom they were again received as 
allies. 

" The Mohawks, the first in rank of the Six Nation confederacy, 
though now much reduced in nimibers, originally occupied the country 
westward from Albany to the German Flats, a space of about ninety 
miles, and had many towns, but having at different times been pre- 
vailed on to dispose of their lands, they have little property left ex- 
cept to the northward, and are reduced to two villages on the Mohawk 
river, and a few families at Schoharie. The lower Mohawks are in 
number about one hundred and eighty-five, and the upper, or those of 
Canajoharie, two hundred and twenty one, making together four hundred 
and six. This nation hath always been warm in their attachment to 
the English, and on this account sufiered great loss during the late war. 

" The nation beyond and to the westward of the Mohawk, is the 
Oneidas. The villages where they reside, including Onoaughquaga, 
are just beyond the Indian line or boundary established at Fort Stan- 
wix, in 1168, and their property within that line, except to the north- 
ward, has been Bold. This nation consists of at least fifteen hundred, 
and are firmly attached to the English. 

" The other nations of that confederacy, and who live further beyond 
the Indian line, are the Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas and Tuscaroras, 
and are well inclined to the British interest. The whole Six Nations 
consist of about ttvo thouscmd fighting men, and their number of souls 
according to their latest retm-ns at least ten thousand; the Seneca 
nation amovinting alone to one half that number." 

" What is the strength of the neighboring Indians ?" 

" The Indians north of this province near Montreal, with those living 
on the river St. Lawrence, near the 45th degree of northern latitude, 
form a body of about three thousand five hundred. They are in alli- 
ance with, and held in great esteem by the rest ; are good warriors, 
and have behaved well since they became allies to the English previ- 
ous to the reduction of Canada. 

" The tribes of Indians witliin the province of Massachusetts Bay, and 
the colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, <fec. are under similar 
circumstances with those denominated River Indians ; and the Stock- 



INTRODUCTION. 



25 



Major General William Johnson* rendered very 
important services during this war ; his complete vic- 
tory over Baron Dieskau, Sept. 1757, at the head of 
Lake George, and the capture of Fort Niagara hy 
him, had aided materially in bringing the war to a 
successful termination. He was created a baronet, 
and Parliament voted him five thousand pounds ster- 
ling ; he was also appointed general superintendent 
of Indian affairs : he had settled upon the Mohawk 
in 1734, having emigrated there from Ireland, and 
thus rose to rank and affluence. Stern, determined 
in purpose, at times even arbitrary, sagacious and 



bridge Indians, living on the eastern borders of New York, maybe con- 
sidered as within it, as they formerly claimed the lands near Albany, 
and still hold up some claim in that vicinity. They served as a corps 
during the late war, and are in number about three hundred. 

" Of the Susquehanna tribes many have retired further westward, 
among which are some not well affected to the British government. 
They are all dependents and allies of the Six Nations. 

" Within the department of Sir William Johnson, His Majesty's 
Superintendent of Indian affairs, there are twenty-five thousand fom* 
hundred and twenty fighting men, and may be about one hundred 
and thu'ty thousand Indians in the whole, extending westward to the 
Mississippi." 

It is thus seen that the Indian warriors of the Six Nations were as 
numerous as the able-bodied men of Tryon County, wliile the warriors 
under the superintendence of Sir William Jolmson, and afterwards 
under that of Col. Guy Johnson, were equal nearly to the militia of 
the whole province. The whole body of wamors could be called out 
if necessary. Being under the pay of England, and having no domes- 
tic labors, and war being their delight, it was evident that it would 
be a fearful event to the Colonies if the Indians took part in the con- 
troversy, 

* See Appendix — Note B. 

2* 



26 INTRODUCTION. 

penetrating, but when necessary, urbane and concil- 
iatory in his manners, he was eminently qualified for 
the station to which he was appointed. No person 
has ever exerted an equal influence over those unlet- 
tered children of the forest. He lived at Johnstown, 
where he had a beautiful residence, and was sur- 
rounded by the Mohawks. The Indians looked up 
to him as their father, paying the utmost deference to 
his advice, and consulting him on all occasions. Out 
of compliment to them, he frequently wore in winter 
their dress ; he received them cordially at his house, 
where sometimes hundreds of them assembled. So 
great was the respect they had for him, that though 
the house contained many valuables, nothing was 
purloined from it, even in their carousals. Being a 
widower, he received into his family an Indian maid- 
en, a sister of the celebrated sachem Joseph Thayen- 
danegea, called the Brant. 

The influence of Sir William continued until his 
death, about the commencement of the revolutionary 
war, when the principal events took place, which I 
design hereafter to relate. 



CHAPTER I 



" Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore, 

Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 

And told our marvelling boyhood legend's store 

Of their strange ventures happ'd by land or sea ; 

How they are blotted from the things that be ! 

How few, all weak, and withered of their force, 

Wait on the verge of dark eternity. 

Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse, 
To sweep them from our sight ; Time rolls his ceaseless course." 

It is always a pleasing task to rescue from oblivion 
the names, and to record the deeds, of those individ- 
uals, howev^er humble, who were the pioneers of our 
country, who purchased the wilderness from the 
savage, and afterward disputed the dominion over it 
with the wolf and the bear. 

The pleasure is increased, and a deep and thrilling 
interest is awakened, as we trace out those individu- 
als ardently engaged on the side of their country m 
that revolution which terminated in our entire inde- 
pendence ; in the planting of that tree of liberty, 
whose beautiful foliage and wide-spreading branches 
have excited universal admiration, and a scion from 
which may yet be engrafted into all the nations of the 
east. 

This is the object of the following imperfect sketch, 
which, if it add little to the materials for the future 
history of our State, may be a source of some pleasure 
and satisfaction to those connected with the actors 



28 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

themselves ; and to the survivors, those venerable 
relics of other times, a few of whom have come down 
to us, but who, one by one, are daily dropping into 
eternity. 

In 'l 738 a patent for 8000 acres of land, lying about 
ten miles south of the Mohawk River, and fifty-two 
west from Albany, was granted by George Clark, then 
ireutenant governor, with the consent of the council 
of the then province of New York, to John Lindesay, 
Jacob Roseboom, Lendert Gansevoort, and Sy brant 
Van Schaick. This patent is situated in the extreme 
north-eastern part of the now county of Otsego, em- 
bracing a part of the town and village of Cherry Val- 
ley. The face of the country generally, in this county, 
is uneven ; a great number of valleys run nearly north 
and south, in which are Otsego and Schuyler Lakes, 
and through which flow several streams, forming the 
eastern branch of the Susquehanna. These valleys 
are bounded on tlie north by a ridge of table land, in 
which many of the smaller streams take their rise, and 
from whose northern declivity flow several unimpor- 
tant tributaries of the Mohawk ; there are indenta- 
tions or passes at the northern extremities of all these 
valleys ; diff'ering, however, in their elevations and 
in the distances between the sources of the tributary 
waters of the two rivers. None of these valleys are 
very extensive, but the soil is fertile, and the rolling 
land between them produces all kinds of grain, and 
furnishes excellent pasturage in great abundance. 
The valley, through which runs Cherry Valley Creek, 
is about sixteen miles in length, and varies from one 
quarter to a mile in breadth ; at the village it is 1335 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 29 

feet, and where it terminates in its pass about a mile 
north, 1418 feet, above tide water. Chains of high- 
land stretch along both sides of this valley ; that on 
the east may properly be considered a spur of the 
Catskill. It terminates abruptly about three miles 
north-east of the village, in Mount Independence, 
from whose top the land slopes gradually to the north ; 
its summit is more than 2000 feet above tide water, 
and 1700 above the valley of the Mohawk; from 
hence a beautiful prospect opens in some directions 
nearly one hundred miles in extent. The Mohawk 
valley, with a large portion of. the northern part of 
the State, is spread out as a map ; while far in the 
north-east are dimly seen the tops of the Green 
Mountains, as they mingle with the horizon.* 

Early in the eighteenth century, nearly three thou- 
sand German Palatinates emigrated to this country 
under the patronage of Queen Anne ; most of them 
settled in Pennsylvania ; a few made their way, in 
1713, from Albany, over the Helleberg, to Schoharie 
Creek, and under the most discouraging circumstan- 
ces succeeded in effecting a settlement upon the rich 
alluvial lands bordering upon that stream. Small 
colonies from here, and from Albany and Schenec- 
tady, established themselves in various places along 
the Mohawk ; and in 1722 had extended as far up as 
the German Flats, near where stands the village of 
Herkimer ; but all the inhabitants were found in the 



* Upon this northern slope, and about three miles from Mount In- 
dependence, is built the famous " Pavilion " at Sharon Springs, from 
the piazza of which the prospect is both beautiful and grand. 



30 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

neighborhood of these streams; none had ventured 
out in that unbroken wilderness which lay to the 
south and west of these settlements. 

Mr. Lindesay, having obtained an assignment from 
the three other patentees to himself and Governor 
Clark, in 1739 caused the patent to be surveyed and 
subdivided into lots, and chose for himself the farm 
afterward successively owned by Mr. John Wells and 
Judge Hudson, and gave to it the name of Lindesay 's 
Bush. In the following summer he left New York 
with his family, consisting of his wife, and father-in- 
law, Mr. Congreve, a lieutenant in the British army, 
and a few domestics, and settled upon his farm. He 
was a Scotch gentleman of some fortune and distinc- 
tion, having held several offices under government, 
and anticipated much pleasure from a residence in 
this high and rolling country, whose valleys, and hills, 
and lakes, would constantly remind him of the wild 
and romantic scenery of his native land. A luxuri- 
ant growth of beach and maple, interspersed with the 
wild cherry, covered the valley, and extended along 
up the sides of the hills, whose tops were crowned 
with clusters of evergreen ; elk and deer were found 
here in great numbers, as were bears, wolves, beavers, 
and foxes ; it was a favorite hunting-ground of the 
Mohawks, who erected their cabins near some little 
spring, and hunted their game upon the mountains. 
Mr. Lindesay, as well as all the early settlers, found 
it important to cultivate their friendship ; he received 
them into his house, and treated them with such hos- 
pitality as circumstances would permit ; this kindness 
was not lost upon the high-minded savages, one of 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 31 

whom gave proof of no ordinary friendship during the 
first winter after his removal to Lindesay's Bush. 
Whatever of happiness and independence Mr. Linde- 
say may have looked forward to, he knew little of 
the privations of the settlers of a new country, espe- 
cially such a country as he had selected ; his farm 
was fifteen miles from any settlement, difficult of 
access from that settlement which was on the Mohawk 
River, by reason of its elevation above it ; and the 
intervening country was traversed only by an Indian 
footpath. 

In the winter of 1740, the snow fell to a great 
depth ; the paths were filled up ; all communication 
with the settlers upon the Mohawk was stopped ; Mr. 
Lindesay had not made sufficient preparation for such 
a winter ; he had but a scanty supply of provisions ; 
these were almost consumed long before spring ; a 
wretched and lingering death was in prospect for him 
and his family. At this critical time an Indian came 
to his house, having travelled upon the snow with 
snow-shoes; when informed of their situation, he 
readily undertook to relieve them ; he went to the 
settlements upon the Mohawk, and having procured 
provisions, returned with them upon his back, and 
during the remainder of the winter, this faithful child 
of the forest thus continued to relieve them, and thus 
preserved the lives of the first inhabitants of our town 
and county. 

In New York, Mr. Lindesay became acquainted 
with the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, and prevailed upon 
him to visit his patent, offering him a tract of land of 
several hundred acres, on condition that he would 



32 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

settle upon it, and would use his influence with his 
his friends, and persuade them to accompany him. 
Pleased with the situation, and the generous proprie- 
tor of the patent, he accepted of the proposal. He was 
an Irishman hy birth, but had been educated in Edin- 
burgh ; had spent several years in the provinces, hav- 
ing travelled over most of those at the south ; and at 
the time of his first acquaintance with Mr. Lindesay, 
was on a tour through those at the north. He went 
to Londonderry in New Hampshire, where several of 
his countrymen were settled, whom he persuaded to 
remove, and in 1741 David Ramsay, William Gallt, 
James Campbell, William Dickson, and one or two 
others, with their families, in all about thirty persons, 
came and purchased farms, and immediately com- 
menced making improvements upon them. They had 
emigrated from the north of Ireland several years an- 
terior to their removal here ; some of them were ori- 
ginally from Scotland ; they were called Scotch Irish — 
a general name given to the inhabitants of the north 
of Ireland, many of whom are of Scotch descent; 
hardy and industrious, inured to toil from their infan- 
cy, they were well calculated to sustain the labors 
necessary in clearing the forest, and fitting it for the 
abode of civilized man. 

The following circumstance gave rise to its name : 
Mr. Dunlop, engaged in writing some letters, inquired 
of Mr. Lindesay where he should date them, who pro- 
posed the name of a town in Scotland ; Mr. Dunlop, 
pointing to some fine wild cherry-trees, and to the 
valley, replied, " let us give our place an appropriate 
name, and call it Cherry Valley," which was readily 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 33 

agreed to ; it was for a long time the distinguishing 
name of a large section of country, south and west. 
Soon after the arrival of these settlers, measures were 
taken for the erection of a grist-mill and saw-mill, 
and a building for a school-house and church. Mr. 
Dunlop left Ireland under an engagement of marriage 
with a young lady of that country; and having made 
the necessary arrangements for his future residence in 
Cherry Valley, returned to fulfill it. This engage- 
ment was conditional ; if he did not return in seven 
years from the time of his departure, it should be op- 
tional with her to abide by or put an end to the con- 
tract ; the time had almost expired ; she had heard 
nothing from him for some time, and supposed him 
either dead or unfaithful; another offered, was ac- 
cepted, and the day appointed for the marriage. In 
the mean time Mr. Dunlop had been driven off the 
coast of Scotland by a storm : after a detention of 
several days, he finally made port in Ireland, and 
hastening on his journey, arrived the day previous ; 
his arrival was as joyful as it was unexpected ; he 
w^as married, and returned immediately with his wife 
to Cherry Valley, and entered upon his duties as the 
first pastor of its little church. A log-house had been 
erected to the north of Mr. Lindesay's, on the decli- 
vity of the little hill upon which his house was situ- 
ated ; where, though possessing little of this world's 
wealth, they offered up the homage of devout and 
grateful hearts. Most of the adult inhabitants were 
members of the church ; the clergyman was to receive 
ten shillings oh the hundred acres of land ; a mere 
pittance, by reason of the small number of inhabitants ; 



34 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW \LORK; OR, 

but he lived frugally ; they made presents to him of 
the productions of their farms, which, with the avails of 
his own, afforded him a competent support. In these 
early days, an excellent state of feeling- toward each 
other prevailed ; common danger and common inte- 
rest united them. In their worship and observances 
they were very strict. During the ten subsequent 
years, not more than three or four families had come 
into the settlement. Among them was Mr. John 
Wells, grandfather of the late John Wells of New 
York City. He also was an Irishman, and became a 
resident in 1743, and in '44 purchased the farm 
which Mr. Lindesay had selected for himself, and 
upon which he resided. 

Mr. Lindesay was unacquainted with pratical farm- 
ing, and his property had been expended to little ad- 
vantage ; after struggling several years, he was com- 
pelled to abandon his enterprise. The war between 
France and Great Britain had been, in part, transfer- 
red to America, and in 1744 our northern frontier was 
threatened with an attack by the French and Indians. 
Reinforcements were ordered to Oswego, and among 
them, the company of Independent Greens, in which 
Mr. Congreve was a lieutenant; he resigned his 
commission in favor of his son-in-law, Mr. Lindesay, 
who, having spent several years in the service, died 
in New York, leaving no children. Mr. Wells, a man 
of amiable disposition, and of great integrity, before 
there was any officer of justice, was frequently appeal- 
ed to as the arbiter of any little difference ; he was 
afterwards appointed the first justice of the peace for 
the town, and one of the judges of Tryon County, 



ANNALS TRYON COUNTY. 



35 



which offices he continued to exercise until the time 
of his death, a little before the breaking out of the Rev- 
olution. 

Mr. Dunlop, having received a classical education, 
opened a school for the instruction of boys, who came 
from the settlements upon the Mohawk, and from 
Schenectady and Albany. It is worthy of remark, 
that this was the first grammar-school in the State 
west of Albany. The boys were received into his 
house, and constituted a part of his family. The ex- 
treme simplicity of the times may be learned from the 
fact, that they often went into the fields, and there 
recited their lessons as they followed their instructor 
about, while engaged in his usual avocations upon his 
farm; several individuals along the Mohawk, who 
were afterwards conspicuous in the Revolution, thus 
received the first rudiments of their education. 

The tranquillity which had hitherto prevailed in the 
settlement was not always to continue ; the French by 
their intrigues had succeeded in alienating the affec- 
tions of the Indians, who instead of regarding the 
inhabitants as friends, in many cases looked upon 
them as intruders. A war colony had been sent out 
by the Six Nations, which had settled at a place called 
Oquago, in the now county of Broome, situated on the 
eastern branch of the Susquehanna. During the Rev- 
olution this was a place of general rendezvous for the 
Six Nations. In the French wars it was composed 
principally of Mohawks, who remained attached to 
the English, and who paid their annual visits to Sir 
William Johnson, to receive their presents. Those 
who violated the laws were not permitted to share 



36 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK j OR, 

with the others; a few such, fearing to present them- 
selves before Sir William, stayed behind and concert- 
ed a plan for destroying this infant settlement. They 
were to make an attack upon it while the inhabitants 
were at church on the Sabbath. They were discovered 
on Sabbath morning, before their arrival at the settle- 
ment. The inhabitants, fearing some hostile inten- 
tion, prepared themselves for defense, taking care to 
exhibit their arms to the Indians as they approached, 
who, not wishing to hazard an attack upon ihem 
armed, withdrew. But during the last French war, 
the danger of Indian incursions having become great 
from the defection of the four western of the Six Na- 
tions, and from threatenings of the more distant tribes, 
a body of eight hundred rangers (so called from their 
being chiefly employed in ranging the woods) was or- 
dered to be raised for the defense of the county of 
Tryon, and a company of them, under the command 
of Capt. M'Kean, stationed at Cherry Valley ; some 
rude fortifications were erected, and during their con- 
tinuance the settlement was comparatively secure. 
But previous^ and indeed during all the French wars, 
the inhabitants of this, as of all the other settlements, 
were frequently called out to repel the French and In- 
dians upon our northern frontier. This service was 
not only extremely hazardous but burdensome, as they 
were obliged oftentimes to furnish in addition means 
of transportation for their own baggage, and also for 
that of the English. In accordance with the will of 
the government, they entered upon this service cheer- 
fully. The militia from the northern and western 
part of the province, lay under Sir William Johnson 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 3'7 

at Fort Edward, when Fort William Henry was be 
sieged by the French General Montcalm in 1757. The 
whole force of General Webb, who was commander 
at Fort Edward, was about 4000 ; 3000 were in Fort 
William Henry under Col. Monro, while the force of 
Montcalm was little over 8000 French and Indians. 
The troops of the former were more efficient, and bet- 
ter disciplined than the French and Indians under 
Montcalm. During the siege and bombardment of 
Fort William Henry, the provincials at Fort Edward, 
a distance of only fifteen miles, earnestly demanded 
to be led to its relief. Gen. Webb after having given 
permission to Sir William Johnson to lead the men in 
case they would volunteer, on seeing them all express 
their willingness and ready to march, broke his prom- 
ise and ordered them to return to the fort. Indig- 
nation was depicted upon every countenance, but 
indignation and remonstrance were alike unavailing. 
Fort William Henry, after a vigorous defense by Col. 
Monro, was surrendered, he having in vain expected 
that some movement would be made in his favor by 
Gen. Webb. The terms of surrender were, that the 
garrison should march out with their arms, but without 
ammunition, and that'a body of the French should 
guard them to Fort Edward. Montcalm, contrary to 
stipulation, neglected to send the guard, and thus suf- 
fered the Indians to fall upon the garrison, many of 
whom were barbarously killed, while others stripped 
of their arms and clothes fled to Fort Edward. Their 
sufferings deepened that feeling of indignation which 
the cowardly or treacherous conduct of Webb had cre- 
ated. The interest excited by the subsequent revolu 



38 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

tion absorbed for a time their thoughts and feelings ; 
but there were individuals in that army under Sir 
William Johnson, from the little settlement of Cherry 
Valley, who, when age had furrowed their cheeks and 
whitened their locks, could scarcely repress their feel- 
ings as they recounted the events of that siege. 

Col. Monro died soon after very suddenly at Al- 
bany, not without suspicions however that unfair 
means had been used to prevent his preferring a com- 
plaint against Gen. Webb to the English govern- 
ment. 

During these harassing wars the population of the 
western part of the province continued to increase. 
Small settlements had been made in various directions 
around Cherry Valley. A family of Harpers, who 
were afterwards distinguished for their courage and 
ardent attachment to the cause of American liberty, 
removed from Cherry Valley some years before the 
Revolution, and established themselves at Harpersfield 
in the now county of Delaware. The Rev. William 
Johnstone had succeeded in planting a flourishing lit- 
tle colony on the east side of the Susquehanna, a short 
distance below the forks of the Unadilla ; and several 
. families were scattered through Springfield, Middle- 
field, then called Newtown-Martin, and Laurens and 
Otego, called Old England district. The population of 
Cherry Valley was short of three hundred, and that of 
the whole county of Tryon but a few thousand, when 
the Revolution commenced.* This county was taken 



* In 1756 the whole population of the province of New York was 
96,775. In 1771 it had increased to 168,007; and in 1774 to 182,25L 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 39 

from Albany County in 1772, and named in honor of 
William Tryon, then governor of the province. In 
1784 it was changed to that of Montgomery. When 
formed, it embraced all that part of the State lying 
v^est of a line running north and south nearly through 
the centre of the present county of Schoharie. It was 
divided into five districts, which were again subdi- 
vided into smaller districts or precincts. The fir^t, 
beginning at the east, was the Mohawk district, em- 
bracing Fort Hunter, Caughnawaga, Johnstown, and 
Kingsborough ; Canajoharie district, embracing the 
present town of that name, with all the country south, 
including Cherry Valley and Harpersfield ; Palatine 
district, north of the river, and including the country 
known by the same name, with Stone Arabia, &c. ; and 
German Flats and Kingsland districts, being then the 
most western settlements, and the former now known 
by the" same name. The county buildings were at 
Johnstown, where, as before mentioned, was the resi- 
dence of Sir William Johnson. 



In 1771, the population of the county of Albany was 38,829 ; and as 
the county of Albany embraced all the northern and western part of 
the State, reaching from the city of Albany to Niagara, and the east- 
ern part of the county was by far the most populous, it is not probable 
that the county of Try on contained more than 10,000 inhabitants. It 
was estimated in 1774 that the population of the province of New York 
doubled by natural increase in 20 years. With a population of 182,251, 
there was estimated a militia force of 32,000 ; and this was probably a 
fair estimate of the able-bodied men of New York at the commence- 
ment of the Revolution. 



40 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 



CHAPTER II. 

Of all the English colonies in North America, none 
was more loyal than New York ; but while her colo- 
nial history exhibits her inhabitants professing a warm 
attachment to the English crown, it presents them 
also uniformly and zealously maintaining their own 
inherent rights and privileges. As early as 1691 an 
act was passed by the colonial Assembly, asserting the 
grounds of their right of being represented in Assem- 
bly ; that it was one of the distinguishing liberties of 
Englishmen, and was not a privilege enjoyed through 
the grace of the crown ; and in 1708 the following 
resolution, reported by the committee of grievances, 
was adopted by the Assembly: '^ Resolved, that the 
imposing and laying of any monies upon any of her 
Majesty's subjects of his colony, under any pretence 
or color whatever, without consent in General Assem- 
bly, is a grievance, and a violation of the people's 
property." From this period down, we find this 
colony steadily resisting every attempt of her govern- 
ors to encroach upon her rights, while contributing at 
the same time freely and largely for their support, and 
that of the government generally. During the long 
and harassing French wars, her levies both of men 
and money, considering her population and resources. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 41 

were immense. Her terrilory was the principal scene 
of action, and she seconded with all her powers the 
measures adopted by tie English to destroy tlie influ- 
ence of the French in America : the successful termi- 
nation of the last of those wars, thus freeing- New 
York from constant alarm and danger ; the common 
privations and sufferings endured by the Provincial 
.and English armies ; the numerous connections by 
marriage formed by the officers of the latter; and the 
extensive and flourishing commerce of the city, all 
tended to strengthen the attachment of this province 
to the motlier country. 

Still asserting her own exclusive right of taxation, 
the Stamp Act was opposed in this province with much 
warmth in 1765, and the first committee of corre- 
spondence was chosen ; which, communicating with 
the committees of other provinces, prepared the way 
for the calling of the Congress which convened in the 
city of New York the same year. With the repeal of 
the Stamp Act, the loyalty of the inhabitants again 
returned ; and the aforementioned causes still opera- 
ting, together with the direct influence supposed to 
have been exerted by the Er^glish ministers, prevent- 
ed the early adoption by the Assembly of the measures 
recommended by the Continental Congress of Phila- 
delphia in 1774. 

In Tryon County, during the period between the 
repeal of the Stamp Act and the assembling of Con- 
gress in '74, a state of things existed unfavorable to 
the cause of the Colonies. Sir William Johnson, 
respected for his talents, and distinguished by the 
official stations which he had filled with so much 
3 



42 BORDER WARFARE OF xNEW YORK; OR, 

credit, had endeared -himself, not only to the Indians^ 
who looked up to him as a father, but also to the 
other inhabitants, who regarded him as the patron of 
of the County, and who consulted him upon all mat- 
ters of importance. Drawing towards the close of 
life, his opinions were those of a sage, and expressed, 
as they would naturally be, in favor of that govern- 
ment which had so highly honored and enriched him, 
had a tendency, if not entirely to change, at least to 
neutralize many individuals, who otherwise would 
have espoused with warmth the colonial cause. He 
was supposed, however, to have been actuated more 
by what he considered his duty to the English gov- 
ernment, than governed by his own private opinions. 
He could but view therefore with regret, those acts 
of the British Parliament which were goading on the 
Americans to resistance by force. His sons-in-law, 
Colonel Guy Johnson, and Colonel Claus, and his 
son. Sir John Johnson, especially Guy and Sir John, 
espoused the cause of the crown with great ardor. 
Possessing large estates and occupying splendid resi- 
dences along the eastern boundary of the County, they 
presented a formidable barrier to the transmission and 
circulation of general intelligence relative to existing 
differences. If they were not individually possessed 
of the influence and reputation of Sir William, they 
made up the deCiciency by their zeal and activity. In 
the early part of the disturbance, they formed saga- 
cious plans to prejudice the Six Nations against the 
American cause, and also to secure the co-operation in 
favor of Great Britain of their numerous dependents 
and friends. Among the latter were John and Wal- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 43 

ter Butler, who lived near Caughnawaga, a few miles 
from Johnstown, and Joseph Brant,* all of whom 
visited with such dreadful massacres the settlements 
of western Pennsylvania and New York. The in- 
habitants of Tryoii County, friendly to the American 
cause, were not idle. They, in common with their 
friends of this and the other provinces, had viewed 
with alarm and indignation the enactment and opera- 
tion of the oppressive acts of the English Parliament, 
and warmly sympathized with the inhabitants of Mas- 
sachusetts. They hailed with joy the proposition for 
calling a Continental Congress. A meeting for Pala- 
tine district was called the 27th of August, 1774, 
which was attended by a large number of the inhab- 
itants. It was said by Dr. Franklin, upon his exam- 
ination before the British House of Commons, in 1766, 
relative to the operation of the Stamp Act, " that the 
Germans who inhabit Pennsylvania are more dissatis- 
fied with the duty than the native colonists them- 
selves.". The following resolutions, adopted at this 
meeting, will show what were the feelings and senti- 
ments of their brethren on the Mohawk. They 
contain the sentiments of the times, and they breathe 
a spirit highly commendable, and which could hardly 
have been expected to exist, and existing, must have 
required some deeision and courage to publish in this 
then remote and defenseless county, filled too with 
loyalists and Indians under their control. It will be 
romembered that it was in June preceding, the Boston 
Port Bill went into operation, and when the first mea- 

* See Appendix — Note C. 



44 tJORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

sures were adopted by the Assembly of that province 
for the calling of a General Congress. 

" This meeting, looking with concern and heartfelt 
sorrow on the alarming and calamitous condition 
which the inhabitants of Boston are in, in conse- 
quence of the act of Parliament blocking up the port 
of Boston, and considering the tendency of the late 
acts of Parliament, for the purpose of raising a revenue 
in America, has to the abridging the liberties and priv- 
ileges of the American colonies, do resolve : 

I. That King George the Third is lawful and 
rightful Lord and Sovereign of Great Britain, and the 
dominions thereunto belonging; and that, as part of 
his dominions, we hereby testify, that we will bear 
true faith and allegiance unto him; and that we will, 
with our lives and fortunes, support and maintain 
him upon the throne of his ancestors, and the just 
dependence of these, his colonies, upon the crown of 
Great Britain. 

II. That we think and consider it as our greatest 
happiness, to be governed by the laws of Great Brit- 
ain^ and that with cheerfulness we will always pay 
submission thereunto as far as we consistently can 
with the security of the constitutional rights and liber- 
ties of English subjects, which are so sacred that we 
cannot permit the same to be violated. 

III. That we think it is our undeniable privilege 
to be taxed only with our own consent, given by our- 
selves or our representatives. That taxes otherwise 
laid and exacted are unjust and unconstitutional. 
That the late acts of Parliament, declarative of their 
right of laying internal taxes on the American colo- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 45 

nies, are obvious encroachments on the rights a'^id 
liberties of the British subjects in America, 

IV. That the act for blocking- up the port of Bos- 
ton is oppressive and arbitrary; injurious in its prin- 
ciples, and particularly oppressive to the inhabitants 

,of Boston, whom we consider brethren suffering in 
the common cause. 

V. That w^e will unite and join with the different 
districts of this county, in giving whatever relief it is 
in our power, to the poor, distressed inhabitants of 
Boston ; and that we will join and unite with our 
brethren of the rest of this colony, in anything tending 
to support and defend our rights and liberties. 

VI. That we think the sending of delegates from 
the different colonies to a general continental Con- 
gress is a salutary measure, and absolutely necessary 
at this alarming crisis, and that we entirely approve 
of the five gentlemen chosen delegates for this colony 
by our brethren of New York, hereby adopting and 
choosing the same persons to represent this colony in 
the Congress. 

VII. That we hereby engage faithfully to abide by 
and adhere to such regulations as shall be made and 
agreed upon by the said Congress. 

VIII. That we consider it necessary that there be 
appointed a standing committee of this county, to 
correspond with the committees of New York and 
Albany, and we do hereby appoint Christopher P. 
Yates, Isaac Paris, John Frey, and Andrew Fink, who, 
together with persons to be appointed by the other 
districts of this^ county, are to compose a committee of 



4G BORDER, WARF/^ .E OF NEW YORK; OR, 

correspondence to convey the sentiments of this coun- 
ty, in a sot of resolves, to New York. 

IX. It is voted by this meeting-, that copies of the 
proceedings of this day, certified by the chairman, be 
transmitted to tlie supervisors of the different districts 
of this county, and that we recommend it to the in- 
habitants of the said districts to appoint persons to 
compose a committee of correspondence." 

The Continental Congress which met in Philadel- 
phia in September following, after a session of eight 
weeks adjourned until May, 1775. Several impor- 
tant and patriotic addresses had been sent forth, well 
calculated to awaken the people to a knowledge of 
their rights. 

At a court held in Johnstown in the spring of 1775, 
a declaration was drawn up and circulated by the 
loyalists of Tryon County, in which they avowed 
their opposition to the measures adopted by the Con- 
gress. Warm altercations and debates ensued, but it 
was signed by most of the grand jury, and nearly all 
the magistrates. 

This proceeding applied the torch to that train of 
combustible materials which had been accumulating, 
and which immediately kindled into a blaze. The 
minds of men were generally prepared for a decisive 
step, and meetings were called, and committees ap- 
pointed in all the districts, and sub-committees in 
almost every precinct and hamlet in the county. 

On the day appointed for the meeting in Cherry 
Valley, the little church was filled with the inhabit- 
ants, of every age. Parents took their ^children with 
them, that they might early breathe the air of free- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 4*7 

dom, and that their first lispings might be in favor of 
the liberties of their country. Thomas Spencer, a 
resident in the place, and an Indian interpreter, ad- 
dressed the meeting in a strain of rude, though im- 
passioned eloquence. The noblest efforts of a Henry 
or an Otis never wrought more sensibly upon the 
feelings of the respective congresses which they ad- 
dressed, than did the harangue of this unlettered 
patriot upon that little assembly. The article of as- 
sociation was carried round to the different persons, 
most of whom subscribed it. 

These meetings were called early in May, and the 
following was the article of association : '^ Whereas 
the grand jury of this county, and a number of the 
magistrates, have signed a declaration, declaring their 
disapprobation of the opposition made by the Colonies 
to the oppressive and arbitrary acts of Parliament, 
the purport of which is evidently to entail slavery on 
America ; and as the said declaration may, in some 
measure, be looked upon as the sense of the County 
in general, if the same be passed over in silence ; we 
the subscribers, freeholders, and the inhabitants of 
the said County, inspired with a sincere love for our 
country, and deeply interested in the common cause, 
do solemnly declare our fixed attachment and entire 
approbation of the proceedings of the grand Conti- 
nental Congress held at Philadelphia last fall, and 
that we will strictly adhere to, and repose our con- 
fidence in the wisdom and integrity of the present 
Continental Congress ; and that we will support the 
same to the utmost of our power, and that we will re- 



48 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

ligiously and inviolably observe the regulalions of 
that august body." 

On the ISth of May the Palatine committee met 
and wrote a letter to the committee of Albany, which, 
as it gives a full view of the affairs of the County, is 
inserted at length. 

" We are so peculiarly circumstanced in this coun- 
ty, relating to the present struggle for American lib- 
erty, that we cannot longer defer laying the situation 
of this county before you. The district we represent 
has been foremost in avowing its attachment to liber- 
ty, and approving the method of opposition adopted 
in America, and are now signing an association simi- 
lar to what has been signed in other counties in this 
province, and we hope, in a few days, to have the 
pleasure to transmit it down for the press. The County 
being extensive, it takes a considerable time before 
the people who are favorable to the cause can be got 
to sign : for we have caused copies of the association 
to be dispersed in divers parts of the County. This 
county has, for a series of years, been ruled by one 
family, the different branches of which are still strenu- 
ous in dissuading people from coming into congres- 
sional measures, and even have, last week, at a 
numerous meeting of the Mohawk district, appeared 
with all their dependents armed to oppose the people 
considering of their grievances : their number being 
so large, and the people unarmed, struck terror into 
most of them, and they dispersed. We are informed 
that Johnson Hall is fortifying by placing a parcel of 
swivel guns round the same ; and that Colonel John- 
son has had parts of his regiment of militia under arms 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 



49 



yesterday, no doubt with a design to prevent the 
friends of liberty from publishing their attachment to 
the cause to the world. Besides which, we are told 
that about 150 Highlanders (Roman Catholics) in and 
about Johnstown, are armed, and ready to Uiarch 
upon the like occasion. We liave been informed 
that Colonel Johnson has stopped two New England- 
ers and searched them, being, we suppose, suspicious 
that they came to solicit aid from us or the Indians, 
whom we dread most, there being a current report 
through the County, that they are to be made use of 
in keeping us in awe. 

u We recommend it strongly and seriously to you 
to take it in your consideration whether any powder 
and ammunition ought to be permitted to be sent up 
this way, unless it is done under the inspection of the 
committee, and consigned to the committee here, and 
for such particular shopkeepers as we in our next 
shall acquaint you of. We are determined to suffer 
none in our district to sell any, but such as we approve 
of, and sign the association. Wlien any thing par- 
ticular comes to our knowledge relating to the Indians, 
(whom we shall watch,) or any other thing interest- 
ing, we shall take the earliest opportunity in commu- 
nicating the same to you. And as we are a young 
county, remote from the metropolis, we beg you will 
give us all the intelligence in your power. We shall 
not be able to send down any deputies to the Pro- 
vincial Congress, as we cannot possibly obtain the 
sense of the County soon enough to make it worth 
our while to send any, but be assured we are not the 
less attached to American liberty. For we are deter- 
3* 



50 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

mined, although few in number, to let the world see 
who are, and who are not such ; and to wipe off the 
indelible disgrace brought on us by the declaration 
signed by our grand jury and some of our magis- 
trates ; who in general are considered by the majority 
of the County as enemies to their country. In a 
word, gentlemen, it is our fixed resolution to support 
and carry into execution every thing recommended by 
the Continental Congress, and to he free or die.^^ 

This same committee met on the 21st of May, 
when the following letters were laid before them. 
The first, being a letter from some of the Mohawk 
Indians to the Oneidas, had been found in the road, 
where it was supposed to have been lost by some 
Indian. 

Translated into English, it was as follows : '' Writ- 
ten at Guy Johnson's, May, 1775. This is your letter, 
you great ones or Sachems. Guy Johnson says he 
will be glad if you get this intelligence, you Oneidas, 
how it goes with him now, and he is now more cer- 
tain concerning the intention of the Boston people. 
Guy Johnson is in great fear of being taken prisoner 
by the Bostonians. We Mohawks are obliged to 
watch him constantly. Therefore we send you this 
intelligence that you shall know it, and Guy Johnson 
assures himself, and depends upon your coming to his 
assistance, and that you will without fail be of that 
opinion. He believes not that you will assent to let 
him suffer. We therofore expect you in a couple of 
days' time. So much at present. We send but so far 
as to you Oneidas, but afterward perhaps to all the 
other nations. We conclude and expect that you will 



ANNALS OF TflYON COUNTY. 51 

have concern about our ruler, Guy Johnson, because we 
are all united." This letter was signed by Joseph Brant, 
secretary to Guy Johnson, and four other chiefs. 

The following letter was from Guy Johnson to 
the magistrates, and others of the upper districts, 
dated Guy Park, May 20th, 1775. ''Gentlemen, 
I have lately had repeated accounts that a body of 
New Englanders, or others, were to come and seize 
and carry away my person, and attack our family, 
under color of malicious insinuations, that I intended 
to set the Indians upon the people. Men of sense and 
character know that my office is of the highest impor- 
tance to promote peace among the Six Nations, and 
prevent their entering into any such disputes. This 
I effected last year, when they were much vexed about 
the attack made upon the Shawnese, and I last win- 
ter appointed them to meet me this month to receive 
the answer of the Virginians. All men must allow, 
that if the Indians find their council-fire disturbed, 
and their superintendent insulted, they will take a 
dreadful revenge. It is therefore the duty of all peo- 
ple to prevent this, and to satisfy any who may have 
been imposed on, that their suspicions, and the alle-- 
gations they have collected against me, are false, and 
inconsistent with my character and office. I recom- 
mend this to you as highly necessary at this time, as 
my regard for the interest of the County and self- 
preservation has obliged me to fortify my house, and 
keep men armed for my defense, till these idle and 
malicious reports are removed." 

The committee, taking these letters into considera- 
tion, adopted unanimously the following resolutions : 



52 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

" I. That it is the opinion of this committee that the 
Indians who signed the letter never would have pre- 
sumed to write or send the same, if they had not been 
countenanced. 

II. That as we have unanimously adopted the pro- 
ceedings of the grand Continental Congress, and mean 
virtuously to support the same, so we feel and com- 
miserate the sufferings of our brethren in the Massa- 
chusetts Bay, and the other colonies in America, and 
that we mean never to submit to any arbitrary and 
oppressive acts of any power under heaven, or to any 
illegal and unwarrantable action of any man or set of 
men. 

III. That as the whole Continent has approved of 
the actions and proceeding of the Massachusetts Bay, 
and other of the provinces of New England, we do 
adopt and approve of the same. Wherefore we must 
and do consider that any fortification or armed force 
raised to be made use of against them, is evidently 
designed to overawe and make us submit. 

IV. That Col. Johnson's conduct in raising fortifi- 
cations round his house, keeping a number of Indians 
and armed men constantly about him, and stopping 
and searching travellers upon the King's highway, 
and stopping our communication with Albany, is very 
alarming to this county, and is highly arbitrary, ille- 
gal, oppressive and unwarrantable ; and confirms us 
in our fears, that his design is to keep us in awe, and 
oblige us to submit to a state of slavery. 

V. That as we abhor a state of slavery, we do join 
and unite together under all the ties of religion, honor, 
justice, and a love for our country, never to become 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 53 

slaves, and to defend our freedom with our lives and 
fortunes." 

The following letter was at the same time written, 
and sent by express to the committee of Albany. 

'^ Upon the alarming news that expresses were gone 
to call down the upper nations of Indians to Col. John- 
son's, we caused ourselves to be convened this day, to 
take the state of this County into our consideration ; 
upon which we have determined to order the inhabit- 
ants of this district to provide themselves w^th suffi- 
cient arms and ammunition, and to be ready at a 
moment's warning. We are sorry to acquaint you 
that all communication with your county is entirely 
stopped by Col. Johnson, w4io has five hundred men 
to guard his house, which he has fortified, under pre- 
tense that he is afraid of a visit of the New England 
men, as will appear by a copy of a letter we inter- 
cepted this morning. We have not 50 pounds of 
powder in our district, and it will be impossible for 
you to help us to any till the communication is opened, 
not a man being suffered to pass, w^ithout being 
searched. To-morrow is to be a meeting of Canajo- 
harie district, when we expect they will adopt Con- 
gressional measures very heartily, and we purpose to 
have a meeting of the committees of both districts, 
and propose the question, whether we will not open 
the communication by force ; if w^hich question is de- 
termined in the affirmative, we shall despatch another 
express to you^ acquainting you with the day, when 
we hope you will be on your way up with some am- 
munition. We have just sent off an express to the 
German Flats and Kingsland districts, desiring them 



54 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

to unite with us and give us their assistance ; which 
districts, or at least a great majority of them, we are 
credibly informed, are very hearty in the present strug- 
gle for American liberty. We are, gentlemen, per- 
haps in a worse situation than any part of America is 
at present. We have an open enemy before our faces, 
and treacherous friends at our backs, for which reason 
we hope you will take our case into your immediate 
consideration, and give us an answer by the bearers, 
who go express by the way of Schoharie, as we dare 
not trust them any other way. They have orders to 
wait for an answer. We have reason to think that a 
great many of the Indians are not satisfied with Col. 
Johnson's conduct, for which reason we have thought 
it would not be improper to send a couple of men, 
well acquainted with the Indian language, to dis- 
suade them from coming down. And we think it 
would be of service to us if you could send two also, 
who are able to make the Indians sensible of the 
present dispute with the mother country and us. We 
have the pleasure to acquaint you, that we are very 
unanimous in our district, as well as in Canajoharie, 
and w^e are determined by no means to submit to the 
oppressive acts of Parliament, much less to Col. John- 
son's arbitrary conduct." 

On the 22d of May, the mayor, aldermen, and 
commonalty of the city of Albany, to whom a letter 
similar to the one addressed to the magistrates of 
Tryon County had been sent by Guy Johnson, re- 
turned the following answer. ^^ We this day received 
3^ours without date, directed to the magistrates and 
committee of Albany and Schenectady, and to the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 55 

mayor, corporation, &c. of Albany, wherein you 
write, that you have received repeated accounts that 
either the New Englanders, or some persons in or 
about this city, or the town of Schenectady, are coming 
up to a considerable number to seize and imprison 
you, on a ridiculous and malicious report, that you 
intend to make the Indians destroy the inhabitants, 
or to that effect, and that you, in consequence thereof, 
have been put to the great trouble and expense of for- 
tifying your house, and keeping a large body of men 
for the defense of your person, &c. You proceed and 
say, that the absurdity of this apprehension may easily 
be seen by men of sense, but that as many credulous 
and ignorant persons may be led astray, and inclined 
to believe it, &c., it is become the duty of all those 
who have authority or influence to disabuse the pub- 
lic, and prevent consequences which you foresee with 
very great concern. We are very sorry to learn from 
you that any groundless reports should have arisen, 
and be propagated to your prejudice, considering your 
character, station, and the large property you have in 
the county. And we trust that you are so well ac- 
quainted with the nature and duties of your office, 
that you will pursue the dictates of an honest heart, 
and study the interest, peace and welfare of your 
county. In which case, we presume you need not 
be apprehensive of any injury in your person or prop- 
erty ; neither can we learn or conceive that there 
either is, or has been, any intention of taking you cap- 
tive, or offering you any indignity whatever, either 
by the New England people, or any of the inhabit- 
ants of this city, or any one else ; and we have but loo 



56 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

much reason to think that these groundless reports 
have been raised and industriously propagated, in 
your own phraseology, by some busy people in your 
county, to rouse up the Indians from their peaceful 
habitations, and take up arms against such of our 
American brethren as are engaged on the part of 
America in the unhappy contest between Great Brit- 
ain and her colonies. 

''As it appears from your letter, that you consider 
the station wherein you are placed, as superintendent 
of Indian affairs, to be of the highest importance to 
the public, we hope that you will use all possible 
means in your power to restore peace and tranquillity 
among the Indians, and assure them, that the report 
propagated prejudicial to you or to them is totally 
groundless of any just foundation, and that nothing 
will afford His Majesty's subjects in general a greater 
satisfaction, than to be and continue with them on 
the strictest terms of peace and friendship." 

A letter was also written by the Albany committee 
to Guy Johnson, of the same purport; also one to the 
Tryon County committee, informing them that they 
had no ammunition for them, and advising, as the 
most prudent course, not to attempt to open by force 
the communication between the two counties. This 
proposition was abandoned. Four members were, 
however, sent to Albany, who were directed to obtain 
all the information possible relative to the situation of 
the country, and also to procure a quantity of powder 
and lead, for the payment for which the committee 
themselves became responsible. In consequence of 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 57 

some threats of Guy Johnson, the following resolution 
was unanimously adopted : 

" That, whereas, the persons of some of the mem- 
bers of this committee have been threatened with 
imprisonment on account of their being- concerned in 
our just opposition, in which case we do associate and 
unite together, that to the utmost of our power we 
will do our endeavors by force, or otherwise, to rescue 
them from imprisonment, unless such person or per- 
sons are confined by a legal process, issued upon a 
legal ground, and executed in a legal manner." 

Secrecy as to all proceedings, except those which 
were to be published, was enjoined upon all the mem- 
bers. Resolutions were adopted, by which they bound 
themselves to have no connection or dealing with 
those who had not signed the association.. The own- 
ers of slaves were directed not to suffer them to go 
from home, unless with a certificate that they were 
employed in their master's business. They assumed 
the exercise of legislative, executive, and judicial 
powers. The members scattered over the County as 
sub-committees, and aided by the Vv'higs, who entered 
upon the measures proposed by the committee with 
great zeal, were generally enabled to bring their 
plans to a successful termination. 

On the 25th of May, the Indian council which had 
been called met at Guy Park. Delegates from Albany 
and Tryon counties w^ere present. The Mohawks 
alone appear to have been represented in it. Little 
Abraham, chief of the Mohawks, speaker, said : " He 
was glad to meet them and to hear the reports con- 
cerning taking Guy Jolinson, their superintendent, 



58 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

were false. That the Indians do not wish to have a 
quarrel with the inliabitants. That during Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson's lifetime, and since, we have been 
peaceably disposed. That the Indians are alarmed on 
account of the reports that our powder was stopped. 
We get our things from superintendent. If we lived 
as you do, it would not be so great a loss. If our am- 
munition is stopped we shall distrust you. We are 
pleased to hear you say, you will communicate freely, 
and we will at all times listen to what you. say in pres- 
ence of our superintendent." 

The committee, after consulting, replied : ^' That 
they were glad to hear them confirm the old friend- 
ship of their forefathers — that the reports were false — 
whenever they had any business they would apply at 
their council-fires in presence of their superintendent." 

The speaker of the Mohawks replied : '' The In- 
dians are glad that you are not surprised we cannot 
spare Col. Johnson. The love we have for the mem- 
ory of Sir William Johnson, and the obligations the 
whole Six Nations are under to him, must make us 
regard and protect every branch of his family. That 
we will explain these things to all the Indians, and 
hope you will do the same to your people." The 
council broke up with apparent good feeling on all 
sides, which it was hoped and expected would con- 
tinue. 

On the 2d day of June, 1775, a meeting of the 
committee was held, at which the members from the 
Mohawk district were for the first time present, hav- 
ing been kept awa}^ by the Johnsons. The whole 
county was now represented, and as this was the first 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. ' 59 

united meeting, it may be interesting to some to 
give the names of this body of men, who had so often 
professed their willingness to peril their liv es and pro- 
perty in defense of the liberties of their country. 
(From Palatine district,) Christopher P. Yates, John 
Frey, Andrew Fink, Andrew Reeber, Peter Waggon- 
er, Daniel McDougal, Jacob Klock, George Ecker, Jr., 
Harmanus Van Slyck, Christopher W. Fox, Anthony 
Van Veghten — (Canajoharie district,) Nicholas Her- 
kimer, Ebenezer Cox, William Seeber, John Moore, 
Samuel Campbell, Samuel Clyde, Thomas Henry, 
John Pickard — -(Kingsland and German Flats district,) 
Edward Wall, William Petry, John Petry, Augus- 
tine Hess, Frederick Orendorf, George Wentz, Michael 
Ittig, Frederick Fox, George Herkimer, Duncan Mc- 
Dougal, Frederick Helmer, John Frink — (Mohawk 
district,) John Morlett, John Bliven, Abraham Van 
Home, Adam Fonda, Frederick Fisher, Sampson 
Simmons, William Schuyler, Volkert Veeder, James 
McMaster, Daniel Lane — 42. Christopher P. Yates 
was chosen chairman of this body. He had been 
chairman of the Palatine committee, and had drafted 
most of the foregoing letters and spirited resolutions. 
The following letter was written to Guy Johnson at 
this meeting : 

" According to the example of the counties in this 
and the neighboring colonies, the people of the dis- 
trict we represent have met in a peaceable manner to 
consider of the present dispute with the mother coun- 
try and the colonies, signed a general association, and 
appointed us a committee to meet in order to consult 
the common safety of our rights and liberties, which 



60 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

are infringed in a most enormous manner, by enforc- 
ing opppressive and unconstitutional acts of the Brit- 
ish Parliament, by an armed force in the Massachusetts 
Bay. 

*' Was it any longer a doubt that we are oppressed 
by the mother country, and that it is the avowed de- 
sign of the ministers to enslave us, we might perhaps 
be induced to use argument, to point out in what par- 
ticulars we conceive that it is the birthright of English 
subjects to be exempted from all taxes, except those 
which are laid on them by their representatives, and 
think we have a right, not only by the laws and con- 
stitution of England to meet for the purpose we have 
done. Which meeting, we probably would have 
postponed a while, had there been the least kind of 
probability that the petition of the General Assembly 
would have been noticed more than the united peti- 
tion of almost the whole continent of America, by 
their delegates in Congress. Which, so far from being 
any ways complied with, was treated with superlative 
contempt by the ministry, and fresh oppressions were, 
and are, daily heaped upon us. Upon which princi- 
ples, principles which are undeniable, we have been 
appointed to consult methods to contribute what little 
lies in our power to save our devoted country from 
ruin and devastation ; which, with the assistance of 
Divine Providence, it is our fixed and determined res- 
olution to do ; and if called upon we shall be foremost 
in sharing the toil and danger of the field. We con- 
sider New England suffering in the common cause, 
and commiserate their distressed situation ; and we 
should be wanting in our duty to our country, and to 



ANNALS OF TRYON COLTNTY 61 

ourselves, if we were any longer backward in an- 
nouncing our determination to the world. 

'' We know that some of the members of this com- 
mittee have been charged with compelling people to 
come into the measures which we have adopted, and 
with drinking treasonable toasts. But as we are con- 
vinced that these reports are false and malicious, 
spread by our enemies with the sole intent to lessen 
us in the esteem of the world, and as we are conscious 
of being guilty of no crime, and of having barely done 
our duty, we are entirely unconcerned as to anything 
that is said of us, or can be done with us. We should, 
however, be careless of our character, did we not wish 
to detect the despicable wretch who could be so base 
as to charge us with things which we never have en- 
tertained the most distant thoughts of. We are not 
ignorant of the very great importance of your office, as 
superintendent of the Indians, and therefore it is no 
more our duty, than inclination, to protect you in the 
discharge of the duty of your proper province ; and we 
meet you with pleasure in behalf of ourselves and our 
constituents, to thank you for meeting the Indians in 
the upper parts of the County, which may be the 
means of easing the people of the remainder of their 
fears on this account, and prevent the Indians com- 
mitting irregularities on their way down to Guy Park. 
And we beg of you to use your endeavors with the 
Indians to dissuade them from interfering in the dis- 
pute with the mother country and the colonies. We 
cannot think that, as you and your family possess very 
large estates in this County, you are unfavorable to 
American freedom, although you may differ with us 



62 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

ill the mode of obtaining a redress of grievances. 
Permit us further to observe, that we cannot pass over 
in silence the interruption which the people of the 
Mohawk district met in their meeting ; which, we are 
informed, was conducted in a peaceable manner; and 
tlie inhuman treatment of a man whose only crime 
was being faithful to his employers, and refusing to 
give an account of the receipt of certain papers, to 
persons who had not the least color of right to demand 
anything of that kind. We assure you, that we are 
much concerned about it, as two important rights of 
English subjects are thereby infringed, to wit, a right to 
meet and to obtain all the intelligence in their power." 

Dissatisfied witli the council which had been held 
at his house, yet professing to be desirous to promote 
peace between the Indians and the inhabitants, Guy 
Johnson had called another council to meet in the 
western part of the County. Under pretense of meet- 
ing the Indians in this council, he had removed with 
his family and retinue from Guy Park to the house of 
Mr. Thomson in Cosby's Manor, a little above the 
German Flats, where he was waited upon by Edward 
Wall and Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, with the letter of 
which the foregoing is a part. To this letter he re- 
turned the following answer : 

" Cosby's Manor, June 6th, 1775. I have received 
the paper signed Chris. P. Yates, chairman on be- 
half of the district therein mentioned, which I am 
now to answer; and shall do it briefly, in tie order 
you have stated matters. As to the letter from some 
Indians to the Oneidas, I really knew nothing of it 
till I heard such a thing had been by some means ob- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 6 

tamed from an Indian messenger ; and from what 1 
have heard of its contents, I can't see anything mate- 
rial in it, or that could justify such idle apprehensions ; 
but I must observe that these fears among the people 
were talked of long before, and were, I fear, propa- 
gated by some malicious persons for a bad purpose. 

*^ As to your political sentiments, on which you 
enter in the next paragraph, I have no occasion to en- 
ter on them or the merits of the cause. I desire to 
enjoy liberty of conscience and the exercise of my 
own judgment, and that all others should have the 
same privilege 5 but with regard to your saying you 
might have postponed the affair, if there had been the 
least kind of probability that the petition of the Gen- 
eral Assembly would have been noticed, more than 
that of the delegates, I must, as a true friend to the 
country, in which I have a large interest, say that 
the present dispute is viewed in different lights, accord- 
ing to the education and principles of the parties 
affected, and that however reasonable it may appear 
to a considerable number of honest men here, that the 
petition of the delegates should merit attention, it is 
not viewed in the same light in a country which ad- 
mits of no authority that is not constitutionally estab- 
lished ; and I persuade myself you have that reverence 
for His Majesty, that you will pay due regard to the 
royal assurance giren in his speech to Parliament, 
that whenever the American grievances should be 
laid before him by their constitutional assembliesj 
they should be fully attended to. I have heard that 
compulsory steps were taken to induce some persons 



64 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

to come into your measures, and treasonable toasts 
drank ; but I am happy to hear you disavow them. 

'' I am glad to find my calling a congress on the 
frontiers gives satisfaction ; this was principally my 
design, though I cannot sufficiently express my sur- 
prise at those who have, either through malice or 
ignorance, misconstrued my intentions, and supposed 
me capable of setting the Indians on the peaceable 
inhabitants of this county. The interest our family 
has in this county, and my own, is considerable ; 
and they have been its best benefactors ; and mali- 
cious charges, therefore, to their prejudice, are highly 
injurious, and ought to be totally suppressed. 

*'The office I liold is greatly for the benefit and 
protection of this country, and on my frequent meet- 
ings with the Indians depends their peace and secu- 
rity ; I therefore cannot but be astonished to find the 
endeavors made use of to obstruct me in my duties, 
and the weakness of some people in withholding 
many things from me, which are indispensably ne- 
cessary for rendering the Indians contented ; and I am 
willing to hope that you, gentlemen, will duly con- 
sider this and discountenance the same. 

" You have been much misinformed as to the origin 
of the reports which obliged me to fortify my house, 
and stand on my defense. I had it, gentlemen, from 
undoubted authority from Albany, and since confirm- 
ed by letters from one of the committee at Philadel- 
phia, that a large body of men were to make me pris- 
oner. As the effect this must have on the Indians 
might have been of dangerous consequences to you, 
(a circumstance not thought of,) I was obliged at great 



ANNALS OF TKYON COUNT! . 65 

expense to take these measures. But the many re- 
ports of my stopping travellers were false in every 
particular, and the only instance of detaining anybody 
was in the case of two New England men, which I 
explained fully to those of your body who brought 
your letter, and wherein I acted strictly agreeable to 
law, and as a magistrate should have done. 

" I am very sorry that such idle and injurious re- 
ports meet with any encouragement. I rely on you, 
gentlemen, to exert yourselves in discountenancing 
them, and am happy in this opportunity of assuring 
the people of a county I regard, that they have nothing 
to apprehend from my endeavors, but I shall always 
be glad to promote their true interests.'- 

During this correspondence, the fears not only of 
the inhabitants of western New -York, but of all the 
northern provinces, were excited. They had suffered 
too much from Indian warfare, to be indifferent to the 
course which should be adopted by the Six Nations. 
The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts had this 
subject under consideration on the 13th of June, and 
sent a circular to the Provincial Congress of New 
York. The conclusion is as follows : — " We also have 
had the disagreeable account of methods taken to fill 
the minds of the Indian tribes adjacent to these colo- 
nies with sentiments very injurious to us. Particu- 
larly we have been informed that Col. Guy Johnson 
has taken great pains with the Six Nations, in order 
to bring them into a belief that it is designed by the 
Colonies to fall upon them, and cut them off. We 
have therefore desired the honorable Continental Con- 
gress that they would with all convenient speed use 
4 



0(5 ISOKDEll WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

their inlluence in guarding against the evil intended 
by this malevolent misrepresentation, and we desire 
you to join with us in such application." 

A letter was immediately written by the New York 
Congress to Johnson, disclaiming, as had often been 
done by the committee, any and every intention to 
injure him or the Indians. .(He had removed with his 
retinue to Fort Stanwix, and thence on to Ontario, where 
he met 1340 Indian warriors in council.) Pretending 
unjust interference in the former council, he was sure 
at this place, so far removed from the settlements of 
the whites, of exerting to the best advantage that in- 
fluence which he derived from British gold, and the 
merited reputation of his father-in-law. From this 
place, under date of the 8th of July, he wrote an an- 
swer to P. V. B. Livingston, Esq., the President of the 
Congress, in which he complained bitterly of the mal- 
contents and those who disturb reguMr governments. 
This letter is a very loyal one, and concludes thus: — 
^^ I should be much obliged by your promises of dis- 
countenancing any attempt against myself, did they 
not appear to be made on condition of compliance 
with continental or provincial congresses, or even 
committees, formed or to be formed, many of whose 
resolves may neither consist with my conscience, duty, 
or loyalty. I trust I shall always manifest more hu- 
manity than to promote the destruction of the innocent 
inhabitants of a colony, to which I have been always 
warmly attached ; a declaration that must appear per- 
fectly suitable to the character of a man of honor and 
principle, who can on no account neglect those duties 
that are consistent therewith, however they may differ 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 67 

from sentiments now adopted in so many parts of 
America." 

To the last, Col. Johnson persisted in allegations 
which had no foundation — allegations which, if true, 
present the people of Massachusetts and New York 
warring against their own important interests — a 
charge which their conduct at this time, and during the 
war, was far from warranting. They had the desired 
effect upon the Indians. Having by these and other 
means secured for the English the attachment of the 
Indians, Col. Johnson went from Ontario to Oswego, 
and thence to Montreal, where he took up his resi- 
dence. During the war he continued to act as agent, 
distributing to the Indians liberal rewards for their 
deeds of cruelty, and, by promises, stimulating them 
to future exertions. It required no uncommon sa- 
gacity to penetrate his motives, though he had pro- 
fessed his attachment to this province so warmly and 
frequently in his letters, and pretended to shudder at 
the thought of employing the savages against its '' in- 
nocent inhabitants." 

The committee entertained suspicions of his ulti- 
mate designs, too well founded, when they saw him 
moving up the Mohawk with his family, and accom- 
panied by a large number of dependents. The un- 
armed state of the inhabitants would not, however, 
warrant any attempt to check his movements. Be- 
sides, such a step, though recommended by some, 
would not have been considered justifiable by a major- 
ity of the Whigs, as Johnson had not yet committed 
any act of hostility. 

Few of the Mohawks returned to their native homes 



68 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

upon the banks of that river which bears their name. 
The graves of their ancestors were abandoned. Their 
council-fires were extinguished. Every movement in- 
dicated the gathering of that storm so much dreaded, 
and wiiich afterward burst with such desolating effects 
upon the inhabitants of this defenseless frontier. 
Those inhabitants had the satisfaction of reflecting that 
it was a calamity which they had not called down 
upon themselves, but which they had labored with all 
their powers to avert. They had proffered to their red 
brethren the calumet of peace, though in vain. That 
the Indians, and especially the Mohawks, should have 
remained attached to the English government is by 
no means strange ; for they had been furnished by 
that government with the necessaries of life, and with 
arms and other munitions, both for the chase and for 
war ; and the chain of their friendship had been 
brightened by constant use for more than an hundred 
years. We find therefore not so much to censure in 
the conduct of the Indians themselves, as in that of 
the British ministers, who reccommended the plan of 
employing them in the war, and in that of their agents, 
who carried that plan into effect. It has rendered in- 
famous the names of men who might otherwise have 
been ranked among the great and good of our country, 
and it has imprinted a dark spot upon the pages of 
English history. This was pretended at the time to be 
a retaliatory measure, and was justified on that ground. 
But no plan for employing the Indians is believed to 
have been recommended or adopted, by either the 
continental or any of the provincial congresses. If 
such a course was ever mentioned, it was probably by 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 69 

private, unauthorized persons. It would have argued 
an extreme of weakness to have provoked, by setting 
the example, the employment of such a foe in a war 
which was to be carried on in their own territory, and 
where, if acts of cruelty were committed, their own 
wives and children must necessarily be the sufferers.* 

The Rev. Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the 
Oneidas, was requested to use his influence with that 
tribe, and endeavor to persuade them to remain neu- 
tral during the war. Several conferences were held 
with them. On the 28th of June, the Oneidas and 
Tuscaroras assembled at the German Flats, where 
they were met by the inhabitants of that district, and 
the delegates from Albany. The inhabitants of the 
Flats delivered to them the following speech : 

" Brothers f We are glad to have you here to re- 
turn you thanks. We should have been much pleased 
to have spoken with you at the appointed place ; that 
is, by your superintendent, where of late you kept 
your council-fire ; but since his removing so far from 
us, we do not think it wrong or imprudent to commu- 
nicate our sentiments of peace to you here. It is at 
this place, brothers, it has often been done, and here 
again we renew it, and brighten the old chain of 
peace and brotherly love. 

'' Brothers ! We cannot see the cause of your late 
council -fire, or superintendent going away from among 

* See Appendix, M. Since this volume was written, the author has 
had access to the documents procured in England by the agent of the 
State, J. Romeyn Brodhead, Esq., and they fully confirm the views 
originally expressed, and the reader who is interested in the subject 
will find it discussed in the Appendix. 



70 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

US. We did him no harm, and you well know that 
none of us ever did, and you may depend on it, there 
was no such thing meant against him. He told our 
people he was going up to Thompson's (Cosby's 
Manor) to hold a council-fire with our brothers the 
Five Nations there. We helped him to provisions to 
support you there, and every thing we had that he 
wanted. But he is gone away from among us, and 
told some of our people, that he would come back 
with company which would not please us ; which, if 
true, it is certain his intentions are bad, and he may 
depend that whatever force he may or can bring, we 
regard not. 

" Brothers / Our present meeting does not arise 
from any unfriendly thoughts we entertain of you, or 
from any fear of ourselves. It is purely on account of 
the old friendship which has so long been kept up be- 
tween us, that friendship we want to maintain. It is 
that friendship which will be an equal benefit to us. 
It is as much wanted on your side as ours. 

^^ Brothers ! We cannot too much express our satis- 
faction of your conduct toward us by your late pro- 
ceedings with the superintendent, at the carrying 
place, for which we are also obliged to you, and do 
not doubt but that your conduct will be blessed with 
greater benefits than any other of those who will 
hurry themselves into mischief; which can never be 
of any other benefit to them, but sorrow for the inno- 
cent blood that may be shed on an occasion wherewith 
they have no concern. 

" We look to you, particularly, to be men of more 
understanding than others, by the benefits you have 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 71 

received in learning- ; wherefore we confide and trust 
the more freely in yon, that you can communicate to 
the other tribes and nations, the error they want to 
lead 3^ou in, and cannot doubt but your wisdom and 
influence with the other nations will be attended with 
that happy success which will hereafter be a blessing 
to you and your posterity. 

" Brothers ! What we have said is supposed to be 
sufficient to- convince you that our meaning is for 
our joint peace and friendship ; in which we hope 
that we and our children may continue to the end of 
time." 

Most of the Oneidas agreed to remain neutral ; a 
few joined the English. When Gen. Schuyler had 
command of the northern army, they asked permission 
to take up the hatchet. But he always dissuaded 
them. It shows not only the consistency hut the 
amiableness of character^of that man, so much esteem- 
ed by his contemporaries. Some of the Oneidas 
rendered very important services by traversing the 
country, and notifying the inhabitants of approaching 
danger. Others, contrary to advice, joined in the 
war. The latter were a small part of the tribe. 
Among them was Skenando,* distinguished along the 
border by the appellation of the '^ white man's friend." 

* See Appendix — Note D. 



72 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 



CHAPTEE III. 

The removal of Guy Johnson to Canada excited no 
surprise ; but while hovering- upon the frontier, reports 
were circulated which caused considerable alarm. It 
was said that he intended to attack Little Falls, with 
eight or nine hundred Indians, and to proceed thence 
down the river, and ravage the whole county below. 
Measures were taken to make a vigorous resistance, 
in case the report should prove true. The militia 
were ordered to arm, and to be ready to march on the 
first notice, and expresses were sent for assistance to 
Albany and Schenectady. Whether the rumor was 
unfounded, or whether the invasion was contemplated, 
but was abandoned in consequence of the preparations 
made to resist him, is not known. Col. Johnson 
withdrew, as before stated, without committing any 
acts of hostility. 

The committee, freed from immediate danger in 
that direction, turned their attention to the internal 
regulation of the county. They determined civil 
causes — officered and organized the militia — arrested 
and tried suspicious persons, some of whom they fined, 
and others they imprisoned — ordered that no person 
should come into or go out of the county without a 
pass from some acknowledged public body, either a 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 73 

congress or a committee; and, in short, exercised 
such powers as the exigencies of the times demanded, 
and which were necessary to secure tranquillity with- 
in, and guard against danger from without. 

Though these committees generally exercised pow- 
ers which were not delegated to them when first 
appointed, their regulations were submitted to, and 
their resolves obeyed cheerfully by their constituents, 
who perceived the necessity of concentrating as much 
power as possible in that body. The discordant and 
disorganizing materials thrown together by such strifes 
require the control of a strong arm. The rash are to 
be checked, the vicious are to be punished, and the 
irresolute and wavering encouraged and confirmed. 
The exposed situation of Tryon County, with the 
great number of open and avowed enemies, furnished 
an additional reason why the committee should exer- 
cise an almost absolute authority. 

Brant and the Butlers had accompanied Guy John- 
son, but the loyalists were still numerous in the county. 
They found a willing and active leader in Sir John 
Johnson, whose house now became their principal 
place of rendezvous. 

They strove to weaken the confidence of the people 
in the committee. At one time they called meetings 
in some of the districts, and chose new committees. 
At another, they ridiculed their proceedings. Some- 
times they asserted that their acts were illegal, and at 
other times that they were tyrannical. Under such 
circumstances, and with the feelings which such strifes 
are apt to engender, it is not singular that the pro- 
ceedings of the committee against those men were 
4# 



74 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

characterized by considerable severity. It is worthy 
of remark, however, that no sacrifice was required of 
their constituents, which they themselves were unwil- 
ling to make ; no dangers to be encountered which 
they were unwilling to share. Several of the com- 
mittee were killed in battle, and there were few of 
those who escaped with their lives, who did not sus- 
tain a total loss of property during the subsequent 
Indian ravages. 

Christopher P. Yates, the first chairman, went a 
volunteer to Ticonderoga, and into Canada with Gen. 
Montgomery. During the latter part of the summer 
of 1775, he raised a company of rangers, and in the 
following summer was commissioned a major. He 
was succeeded by Nicholas Herkimer, afterwards brig- 
adier general of the militia, and he by Isaac Paris. 

The following extract is from a letter of the State 
Committee of Safety, under date of December, 1775, 
signed by John M^Cesson, clerk of the Provincial 
Congress. '' I was directed by this Congress to assure 
you of the high esteem and respect they have for your 
vigilant, noble-spirited county committee." The fol- 
lowing was from Gen. Schuyler in the summer of '76: 
'' The propriety of your conduct, and your generous 
exertions in the cause of your country, entitle you to 
the thanks of every one of its friends — please to ac- 
cept of mine most sincerely." 

Among the loyalists of Tryon County was Alexan- 
der White, sheriff of the county. He had assisted in 
his official capacity in dispersing the people assembled 
in tlie Mohawk district to appoint a committee, and 
had uttered violent threats against them. The com- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. '75 

mittee refused to acknowledge him as such officer, 
and procured the election of John Frey in his place. 
They wrote a letter to the Provincial Congress solicit- 
ing their interference in procuring a commission for 
Mr. Frey. 

In a subsequent letter they say, '' We must further 
hear that Gov. Tryon shall have granted again acom- 
mission to the great villain, Alexander White, for 
high sheriff in our county ; but we shall never suffer 
any exercise of such office in our county, b}^ tlie said 
White." He left the county soon after, but returned 
the following summer ; was arrested and confined, 
though afterward suffered to go at large upon parole. 

The following is from a letter of the committee to 
Provincial Congress of New York, Sept. 7, 1775. 
'' There is a great number of proved enemies against 
our association and regulations thereof, proceeding in 
and about Johnstown and Kingsborough, under the 
direction and order of Sir John Johnson, being High- 
landers, amounting to 200 men, according to intelli- 
gence. We are daily scandalized by them, provoked 
and threatened, and we must surely expect a havoc 
of them upon our families if we should be required 
and called elsewhere for the defense of our country's 
cause. The people on our side are not willing that 
the committee should proceed so indulgently any 
longer. We have great suspicions, and are almost 
assured that Sir John has a continual correspondence 
with Col. Guy Johnson and his party." 

It was afterward ascertained that such a corres- 
pondence was carried on through the Indians, who 
conveyed letters in the heads of their tomahawks and 



76 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

in the ornaments worn about their persons. The 
Indians also brought powder across from Canada. 

On the 26th of October the committee wrote to Sir 
John the following letter: '^ Tryon County Com- 
mittee Chamber, Oct. 26th, 1775. Honorable Sir: 
As we find particular reason to be convinced of your 
opinion in the questions hereafter expressed, we re- 
quest you that you'll oblige us with your sentiments 
thereupon in a few lines by our messengers the bear- 
ers hereof, Messrs. Ebenezer Cox, James M'Master, 
and John J. Clock, members of our committee. We 
wish to know whether you will allow the inhabitants 
of Johnstown and Kingsborough to form themselves 
into companies, according to the regulations of our 
Continental Congress, for the defense of our country's 
cause; and whether your honor would be ready him- 
self to give his personal assistance to the same pur- 
pose ; also, whether you pretend a prerogative to our 
county court-house and gaol, and would hinder or 
interrupt the committee making use of the same to 
our want and service in the common cause. 

'^ We do not doubt you will comply with our rea- 
sonable request, and thereby oblige," &-c. 

To this letter Sir John replied, '' That as to embody- 
ing his tenants, he never did or should forbid them ; 
but they might save themselves further trouble, as he 
knew his tenants would not consent. Concerning 
himself, sooner than lift his hand against his king, or 
sign any association, he would suffer his head to be 
cut off. As to the court-house and gaol, he would 
not deny the use of it for the purpose for which it was 
built, but that they were his property until he should 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. ^ 77 

be refunded seven hundred pounds. He further said 
he had been informed that two-thirds of Canajoharie 
and German Flats people had been forced to sign the 
association." The deputies replied, that his authority- 
spared the truth, for it appeared of itself ridiculous 
that one-third should have forced two-thirds to sign. 

The Provincial Congress, to whom a letter contain- 
ing the proceedings of the committee had been sent, 
returned an answer as follows : '' Dec. 9th. The 
Congress have this day entered into the consideration 
of your letter of the 28th of October, and are of opin- 
ion that your application to Sir John Johnson, request- 
ing an answer from him whether he would allow his 
tenants to form themselves into companies and asso- 
ciate with their brethren of your county according to 
the resolves of the Continental Congress, for the de- 
fense of our liberties, was improper with respect to 
him, and too condescending on your part, as it was a 
matter that came properly within your province : and 
to which we doubt not but you are competent, as 
you have a line of conduct prescribed to you by Con- 
gress. With respect to your second question, whether 
he would take any active part in the controversy at 
present existing between Great Britain and her colo- 
nies, we conceive it to be very proper, and thank you 
for your information on that head. 

'' As-to the third question, we conceive that he has 
no claim nor title to the court-house or gaol in your 
county, as we are credibly told that his father. Sir 
William Johnson, did in his lifetime convey the same 
to two gentlemen, in trust for the use of your 
county. However, as an attempt to use the same 



for the purpose of confining persons inimical to our 
country, may be productive of bad consequences, we 
beg leave to recommend to you, to procure some other 
place which may answer the end of a gaol. And 
give you our advice not to molest Sir John as long as 
he shall continue inactive, and not impede the meas- 
ures necessary to be carried into execution from being 
completed." This advice was followed, and a private 
house was procured for that purpose, while some of 
the prisoners were sent to Albany and Hartford. 

The fears of the people were again excited, during 
the subsequent winter, by preparations made by Sir 
John for the erection of a fortification around Johnson 
Hall. The number of armed dependents which he 
retained around him, gave credit to a report that, 
when the fortification should be completed, it would 
be garrisoned by three hundred Indians in addition to 
his own men, and that from thence they would sally 
out and ravage the surrounding country. 

Gen. Schuyler had been informed of the movements 
of Sir John, and in Jan. 1776, in the dead of winter, 
together with Gen. Ten Broeck, and Col. Varick, and 
a few others, with a small detachment of soldiers, 
came into Tryon County. General Herkimer ordered 
out all the militia. They were paraded on the ice on 
the Mohawk River. The place of meeting was Major 
Fonda's, a few miles from Johnson Hall. Major 
Fonda was sent a messenger to Sir John. An answer 
was returned, and a correspondence carried on which 
was continued two or three days. The precise nature 
of it is not known. It resulted in Sir John surrender- 
ing himself a prisoner, and disarming his dependents 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 79 

and tenants. He was sent down to Fishkill, where 
he was liberated upon his parole. This surrender 
removed the fears of the inhabitants during- the re- 
mainder of the winter. In the following May, how- 
ever, Sir John, regardless of his promises, broke his 
parole, and, accompanied by a large number of his 
tenants, went north from Johnstown, by the way of 
Sacondaga, to Montreal. Sir William Johnson would 
have frowned with indignation upon this unmanly 
and disgraceful conduct of his son. The Provincial 
Congress of New York immediately wrote a letter to 
Gen. Washington : '* We apprehend no doubt can 
exist, whether the affair of Sir John Johnson is within 
your immediate cognizance. He held a commission 
as brigadier general of the militia, and it is said another 
cqmmission as major general. That he hath shame- 
fully broken his parole is evident, but whether it 
would be more proper to have him returned or ex- 
changed is entirely in your excellency's prudence." 
It is believed that neither the one nor the other was 
ev^r done. He left much valuable property, which 
was confiscated by Congress, and sold under the 
direction of the committee. During the war he com- 
manded a regiment of refugees, known in the preda- 
tory border warfare of this province by the name of 
" .Tohnson's Greens." 

The first delegates to the Provincial Congress were 
John Marlatt and John Moore. Afterward, William 
Wills, Benj. Newkirk, Volkert Veeder, and William 
Harper were appointed. The two latter were for a 
long time members of the State Committee of Safety. 
A new county committee was this spring elected, of 



80 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

which John Frey, Esq. was chosen chairman. At a 
meeting in May, it was unanimously resolved to 
instruct the delegates from this county in tlie Provin- 
cial Congress to vote for the entire independence of 
the Colonies. 

The Declaration of Independence of the 4th of July 
following was hailed by them with joy, and they 
were willing to maintain it " with their lives and for- 
tunes." 

Tryon County, during the summer, was compara- 
tively tranquil and secure. Scouts were sent out 
upon the borders, who with the continental troops 
kept at a distance the few detached parties of Indians 
and Tories. The following winter the Indians col- 
lected in consideitible numbers at Oquago on the Sus- 
quehanna. Col. John Harper, of Harpersfield, was 
sent by the Provincial Congress with a letter to them, 
to ascertain their feelings toward the country and their 
intentions. Col. Harper having given private orders to 
the captains of his^regimentofmilitiato hold themselves 
in readiness in case their services should be required, 
went to Oquago accompanied by one Indian and one 
white man. He arrived there the 27th of February. 
He soon ascertained that the report of a contemplated 
invasion was untrue. He caused an ox to be roasted, 
and invited the Indians to the entertainment thus 
provided. The letter was received in a friendly man- 
ner, and the Indians expressed their sorrow on account 
of the troubles of the country, and declared that they 
would take no active part against it. 

Joseph Brant, having had some disagreement with 
Guy Johnson, came to Oquago after the visit of Col. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 81 

Harper. In June following-, 1777, he went up to 
Unadilla with a party of seventy or eighty Indians, 
and sent for the officers of the militia company and 
the Rev. Mr. Johnstone. Brant informed them that 
the Indians were in want of provisions. That if they 
could not get them by consent they must by force; 
that their agreement with the king was very strong, 
and that they were not such villains as to break their 
covenant with him ; that they were natural warriors, 
and could not bear to be threatened by Gen. Schuyler. 
They were informed that the Mohawks were confined, 
(that is, probably the few who remained behind,) 
and had not liberty to pass and repass as formerly. 
That they were determined to be free, as they were 
a free people, and desired to have their friends re- 
moved from the Mohawk River, lest, if the western 
Indians should come down, their friends might suffer 
with the rest, as they would pay no respect to persons. 
The inhabitants let them have provisions. After 
staying two days they returned, taking with them 
cattle, sheep, &c. The inhabitants friendly to the 
countrj^ immediately removed their families and 
effects to places of greater security. 

Information having been given, Gen. Herkimer in 
July marched to Unadilla with 380 militia. He was 
met here by Brant at the head of 130 warriors. Brant 
complained of the same grievances as above set forth. 
To the question whether he would remain at peace if 
these things were rectified, he replied : ^' The Indians 
were in concert with the king, as their fathers and 
grandfathers had been. That the king's belts were 
yet lodged with them, and they could not falsify their 



82 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

pledge. That Gen. Herkimer and the rest had joined 
the Boston people against their king. That Boston 
people were resolute, but the king would humble 
them. That Mr. Schuyler, or General, or what you 
please to call him, was very smart on the Indians at 
the treaty at German Flats ; but was not at the same 
time able to afford them the smallest article of cloth- 
ing. That the Indians had formerly made war on the 
white people all united ; and now they w^ere divided, 
the Indians were not frightened." 

After Brant had declared his determination to 
espouse the cause of the king. Col. Cox said, if such 
was his resolution the matter was ended. Brant turned 
and spoke to his warriors, who shouted and ran to their 
camp about a mile distant, when, seizing their arms, 
they fired a number of guns, and raised the Indian 
war-whoop. They returned immediately, when Gen. 
Herkimer addressing Brant, told him he had not come 
to fight. Brant motioned his followers to remain in 
their places. Then, assuming a threateningattitude, 
he said, if their purpose was war, he was ready for 
them. He then proposed that Mr. Stewart, the mis- 
sionary among the Mohawks, (who was supposed 
friendly to the English,) and the wife of Col. Butler 
should be permitted to pass from the lower to the 
upper Mohawk castle. 

Gen. Herkimer assented, but demanded that the 
Tories and deserters should be given up to him. This 
was refused by Brant, who after some farther remarks, 
added that lie would go to Oswego, and hold a treaty 
with Col. Butler. This singular conference was sin- 
gularly terminated. It was early in July, and the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COtJNTY. 83 

sun shone forth without a cloud to obscure it, and as 
its rays gilded the tops of the forest trees, or were re- 
flected from the waters of the Susquehanna, imparted 
a rich tint to the wild scenery with which they were 
surrounded. The echo of the war-whoop had scarcely 
died away before the heavens became black, and a 
violent storm of hail and rain obliged each party to 
withdraw and seek the nearest shelter. Men less 
superstitious than many of the unlettered yeomen 
who, leaning upon their arms, were witnesses of the 
events of this day, could not have failed in after times 
to have looked back upon them, if not as an omen, 
at least as an emblem of those dreadful massacres 
with which these Indians and their associates after- 
ward visited the inhabitants of this unfortunate fron- 
tier. 

Gen. Herkimer appears to have been unwilling to 
urge matters to extreme, though he had sufficient 
power to have defeated the Indians. He no doubt 
entertained hopes that some amicable arrangement 
would eventually be made with them. 

This is believed to have been the last conference 
held with any of the Six Nations, except the Oneidas, 
in which an effort was made to prevent the Indians 
engaging in the war. In the remarks of Brant will be 
found what was no doubt one of the principal rea- 
sons of the Indians joining the English, and which 
liberal gifts on our part miglit probably have prevent- 
ed. As before remarked, they had been accustomed 
to receive most of their clothing and other necessaries 
from the English agents and superintendent. And 
now, when they received from the Americans little 



84 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

save professions of friendsbip, they were led to con- 
clude that they were either poor or penurious, and 
therefore continued an alliance coupled with more 
immediate and suhstantial benefits. Col. Guy John- 
son is said to have addressed the Indians at one of 
their councils as follows : '' Are they (the Americans) 
able to give you any thing more than apiece of bread 
and a glass of rum ? Are you willing to go with 
them, and suffer them to make horses and oxen of 
you, to put you into wheelbarrows, and to bring us 
all into slavery 1" 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 85 



CHAPTER IV. 

The campaign of 1777 had long- been a favorite 
one with the British ministers, and during the previ- 
ous winter great preparations had been made for its 
successful prosecution. Should Sir Henry Clinton 
and Gen. Burgoyne, with the southern and northern 
armies, succeed in uniting at Albany, the province of 
New York, cut off from all communication with th@ 
eastern provinces, must necessarily submit, and the 
way would be prepared for the speedy subjugation of 
all the others. Gen. Burgoyne, who had superseded 
Gen. Carleton, left Canada with 7500 well disciplined 
troops, and a large train of artillery, and accompa- 
nied by a numerous body of Canadians and Indians. 
On the 3d of July he arrived before Ticonderoga,* 

* The following is Gov. Tryon's account of the forts in the province 
of New York in 1114:'. 

" The city of New York, the metropolis, is protected by a fort and 
a range of batteries at the entrance of the East River or harbor, in 
good order, and capable of mounting about one hundred pieces of ord- 
nance. Albany and Schenectady are defended by forts, and both 
places encircled by large pickets or stockades, with blockhouses at 
proper distances from each other, but which, smce the peace, have 
been suffered to go to decay, and are now totally out of repair. 

" The western forts are Fort Stanwix, and the forts at Oswego and 
Niagara ; the two former are dismantled — a few men only kept at Oa 
wego. Niagara is occupied by a ganison of the Kihg's troops. 



86 BOllDEK WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

which was garrisoned by 3000 continental soldiers 
and militia under Gen. St. Clair. Finding themselves 
unable to maintain the fortress against a force so 
much superior, the Americans, on the niglit of the 
Sth, withdrew and retreated toward Fort Edward. 
The English immediately took possession of Ticonde- 
roga, with a large quantity of provisions and military 
stores. The Americans were pursued and overtaken, 
and in several actions suffered severely. This fortress 
was an important one, and its surrender was as unfor- 
tunate as it was unexpected. Besides, Gen. Schuy- 
ler, who had the command of the American army, 
numbered little rising of 4000 men after all the troops 
of St. Clair were united with his own at Fort Ed- 
ward ; an army which, under equal circumstances, 
could present no barrier to the progress of the victori- 
ous army of Burgoyne. A general alarm spread 
throughout the country, and especially through New 
York. This alarm was increased in Tryon County, 
when, on the I5th of July, Thomas, one of the prin- 
cipal Oneida sachems, who had just returned from 
Canada, where he had been present at an Indian 
council held at the Indian castle of Cassassenny, gave 
the following account : 

" Col. Claus invited strongly the Indians to join 
him in his expedition to Fort Schuyler, mentioning 

" The northern forts are Fort Edward, which is abandoned. A few- 
men only are kept at the works at the south end of Lake George 
to facilitate the transportation to the next forts, which are Ticonde- 
roga and Crown Point. These are both garrisoned by His Majesty's 
troops, but since the fire only a small guard is kept there, the princi- 
pal part of the garrison being withdrawn and posted at Ticonderoga.'' 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. S7 

the number of his white men, and saying, that he has 
sent already a number of Indians with the army to 
Ticonderoga, and he is sure that Ticonderoga will be 
rendered to them and Clans. Repeated again thus : 
Ticonderoga is mine. This is true, you may depend 
on it, and not one gun shall be fired. 

" The same is true with Fort Schuyler ; I am sure, 
said Col. Clans, that when I come toward that fort, 
and the commanding officer there shall see me, he 
shall also not fire one shot, and render the fort to 
ine." The sachem, after relating this speech, added : 
" Now, brothers, this which I related to you is the 
real truth, and I tell you further, for notice, that Sir 
John Johnson, with his family, and Col. Clans, with 
his family, are now in Oswego, with 700 Indians, and 
their number of white men are 400 regulars and 
about 600 Tories, lying yet on an island on this side of 
Oswegatchie ; therefore now is your time, brothers, to 
awake and not to sleep longer ; or, on the contrary, 
it shall go with Fort Schuyler as it went already with 
Ticonderoga. Col. Butler is, as I heard, to arrive 
yesterday (being the 14th) from Niagara at Oswego, 
with his party, not knowing how strong in number, 
and shall immediately keep a council there with the 
Five Nations, (which are already called,) and offer the 
hatchet to them to join him and strike the Ameri- 
cans. 

^'Brothers f I therefore desire you to be spirited, "and 
to encourage one another to march on in assistance 
of Fort Schuyler. Come up and show yourselves as 
men, to defend and save your country, before it is too 
late. Despatch yourselves to clear the brush about 



88 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

the fort, and send a party to cut trees in the Wood 
Creek to stop up the same. 

'^Brothers ! If you don't come soon without delay to 
assist this place, we cannot stay much longer on your 
side ; for if you leave this fort without succor, and the 
enemy "shall get possession thereof, we shall suffer 
like you in your settlements, and shall be destroyed 
with you. We are suspicious that your enemies have 
engaged the Indians, and endeavor daily yet to strike 
and fight against you ; and Gen. Schuyler refuses 
always that we shall take up arms in the country's 
behalf. 

''•Brothers ! I can assure you that as soon as Butler's 
speech at Oswego shall be over, they intend to march 
down the country immediately, till to Albany. You 
may judge yourselves ; if you don't try to resist we will 
be obliged to join them or fly from our castles, as we 
cannot hinder them alone. We, the good friends of the 
country, are of opinion that if more force appears at 
Fort Schuyler the enemy will not move from Oswego 
to invade these frontiers ; you may depend on it we 
are willing to help you if you will do some efforts 
too." 

In the spring of 1776, Colonels Van Schaick and 
Dayton were sent into Tryon County with detach- 
ments of continental soldiers, and were stationed at 
Johnstown and German Flats. Col. Dayton, sta- 
tioned at the latter place, was ordered by Gen. Schuy- 
ler, in June of this year, to take post and erect a for- 
tification at Fort Stanwix. The militia of the county 
were called out to assist him. This fort occupied a 
part of the site of the present village of Rome, in 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUINTY. 89 

Oneida County, situated at the head of navigation of 
the Mohawk, and at the carrying-place between that 
river and Wood Creek, from whence the boats passed 
to Oswego ; it was a post of great importance to the 
western part of New York. The French, with their 
usual sagacity, when endeavorhig to monopolize the 
Indian trade, had erected a fortification at this place. 
At the commencement of the war it appears to have 
gone to decay ; a few families had settled there, form- 
ing the extreme western ouipost of civilization, save 
the forts of Oswego and Niagara. The fort erected by 
Col. Dayton was called Fort Schuyler, in honor of 
Gen. Schuyler. It is designated by that name in 
most of the letters and official communications of the 
officers, including Gen. Schuyler himself. It has 
been confounded by some with Fort Schuyler, which 
was built in the French wars, near where Utica now 
stands, and named in honor of Col. Schuyler, the 
uncle of Gen. Schuyler. At the time of the Revolu- 
tion there was no fort at the latter place. There was 
a clear field, which still retained the name of Fort 
Schuyler, as did the settlement west that of Fort Stan- 
wix. 

The last of April, 1777, Col. Gansevoort, with the 
3d regiment of the New York line of State troops, was 
ordered to Fort Schuyler. The fort was still unfin- 
ished, and the early {art of the summer was spent in 
advancing the works. It was not even completed 
when afterward invested. The duties of the troops in 
consequence were extremely arduous. 

The information as above given by the Oneida sa- 
chem occasioned some alarm. It developes part of 
5 



90 BOilDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

the original plan of the campaign. The forces des- 
tined against this fort were under the command of 
Gen. Barry St. Leger. Should he succeed in taking 
Fort Schuyler, he was to pass down the Mohawk val- 
ley to Johnstown, and to fortify himself there. From 
this place he could easily make a diversion in favor 
of Burgoyne, or aid in cutting off the retreat of the 
American army, as circumstances should render neces- 
sary. The rich Mohawk country would at the same 
time furnish provisions for his own and the other in- 
vading armies. 

Secret information of their movements had been 
industriously circulated among all the disaflected in- 
habitants of Tryon County. Insinuations of an 
alarming nature were thrown out, and not without 
effect. The Indians, it was said, would ravage the 
whole intervening country. Many who had not be- 
fore acted decidedly, now espoused the cause of the 
mother country, and in small parties stole away and 
went to the enemy. 

A few days before the communication of the sa- 
chem was made, the committee had ordered out 
200 militia to aid in garrisoning Fort Schuyler. A 
part only obeyed ; on the 15th they ordered two com- 
panies of continental troops, stationed at different 
places in the county under their direction, to repair 
to the fort. They made various excuses, that they 
had been sent out as scouts, and were unfit for garri- 
son duty, and refused to comply with the orders ; 
they afterward complied. Under these circumstan- 
ces, on the 17th of July, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Herki- 
mer published the following proclamation : 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 91 

'* Whereas, it appears certain that the enemy, of 
about 2000 strong, Christians and savages, are arrived 
at Oswego with the intention to invade our front^'ers, 
I think it proper and most necessary for the defense 
of our country, and it shall be ordered by me as soon 
as the enemy approaches, that every male person, 
being in health, from 16 to 60 years of age, in this 
our county, shall, as in duty bound, repair immedi- 
ately, with arms and accoutrements, to the place to 
be appointed in my orders, and will then march to 
oppose the enemy with vigor, as true patriots, for the 
just defense of their country. And those that are 
above 60 years, or really unwell and incapable to 
march, shall then assemble, also armed, at the respec- 
tive places where women and children will be gath- 
ered together, in order for defense against the enemy, 
if attacked, as much as lies in their power. But con- 
cerning the disaffected, and who will not directly obey 
such orders, they shall be taken along with their 
arms, secured under guard, to join the main body. 
And as such an invasion regards every friend to the 
country in general, but of this county in particular, 
to show his zeal and well-affected spirit in actual de- 
fense of the same, all the members of the committee, 
as well as all those who, by former conmiissions 
or otherwise, have been exempted from any other 
military duty, are requested to repair also, when 
called, to such place as shall be appointed, and join 
to repulse our foes. Not doubting tliat the Almighty 
Power, upon our humble prayers and sincere trust 
in him, will then graciously succor our arms in bat- 



^2 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR,. 

tie, for our just cause, and victory cannot fail on our 
side." 

On the 30th of July, the committee received the 
following letter from Thomas Spencer, dated Oneida, 
July 29th. 

*' At a meeting of the chiefs, they tell me that there 
is but four days remaining of the time set for the 
king's troops to come to Fort Schuyler, and they 
think it likely they will be here sooner. The chiefs 
desire the commanding officers at Fort Schuyler not 
to make a Ticonderoga of it; but they hope you 
will be courageous. They desire Gen. Schuyler may 
have this with speed, and send a good army here ; 
there is nothing to do at New York ; we tliink there 
is men to be spared ; we expect the road is stopped 
to the inhabitants by a party through the woods; we 
shall be surrounded as soon as they come. This may 
be our last advice, as these soldiers are part of those 
that aie to hold a treaty. Send this to the committee ; 
as soon as they receive it let the militia rise up and 
come to Fort Schuyler. To-morrow we are a-going 
to the Three Rivers to the treaty. We expect to meet 
the warriors, and when we come there and declare 
we are for peace, we expect to be used with indiffer- 
ence and sent away. Let all the troops that come to 
Fort Schuyler take care on their march, as there is a 
parly of Indians to stop the road below the Fort, about 
80 or 100. We hear they are to bring tlieir cannon 
up Fish Creek. We hear there is 1000 going to meet 
the enemy. We advise not — the arm)^ is too large 
for so few men to defend the fort — we send a belt of 
8 rows to confirm the truth of what we say.''^ Spen- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 93 

cer added — '^ It looks likely to me the troops are 
near ; hope all friends to liberty, and that love their 
families, will not be backward, but exert themselves, 
as one resolute blow would secure the friendship of 
the Six Nations, and almost free this part of the coun- 
try from the incursions of the enemy." 

About the time of the receipt of this letter several 
batteaux, guarded by one or two companies of bat- 
teauxmen, arrived from Schenectady with stores des- 
tined for Fort Schuyler. When the letter was laid 
before the committee, a question arose whether the 
militia should be ordered out immediately, or whether 
they should wait the arrival of troops who w^ould un- 
doubtedly be sent by Gen. Schuyler. The necessity 
of guarding more effectually the batteaux was urged. 
The former course was adopted, and means were 
taken for assembling as many of the militia as possi- 
ble. Their own firesides were to be inva^ded ; the 
time for exertion had come — a time which they ought 
to have anticipated, and for which, from the ample 
notice they had received, they ought to have made 
the best possible preparations. They were determined, 
however, to atone for their neglect. The fears ex- 
cited by the previous losses had considerably subsided, 
and Gen. Herkimer soon found himself at the head of 
800 men ; most of the committee were among the 
nuniber, as officers or volunteers. Little order was 
observed on their march, and those precautions so 
necessary to guard against surprise were too much 
neglected. This was the less excusable, as they had 
been apprised of the ambuscade of the Indians. 
Spencer, who had joined the troops, insisted on keep- 



94 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

ing- out flanking parties. In this he was seconded by- 
several of the officers. Gen. Herkimer himself was 
of this opinion ; but in consequence of some remarks 
made by some of the inferior officers, imputing cow- 
ardice to him, he directed them to advance with all 
possible dispatch. If any excuse can be ofTered, it must 
arise from the fact, that they had learned that the fort 
was invested, and were fearful it might be surren- 
dered before their arrival. The distance most of the 
troops marched, was between fifty and sixty miles, 
through woods and over miseralle roads. Flanking 
parties, travelling through woods, and crossing 
streams and marshes, would necesarily retard the 
progress of the main body, should they only keep 
pace w^ith them. 

Gen. St. Leger left Oswego, about the time before 
mentioned, for Fort Schuyler, with about 1700 men. 
On the 28th of July he sent forward Lieut. Bird, with 
60 or 70 men, to reconnoitre and to ascertain the situ- 
ation of the fort. Under date of July 31st, St. Leger 
wrote to him the following letter : 

'^ I have received yours of the 30th. If they are 
strongly posted, risk nothing, as hy both parties (yours 
and Hare's) joined, an investiture may be easily 
made till my arrival, which w^ill be sometime to- 
morrow, w^ith my artillery, the 34th and King's regi- 
ment, w^ith the Hessian riflemen, and the whole corps 
of Indians. The rest of the army is led by Sir John, 
and will be up the day afterward. 

Yours, very faithfully, 

Barry St. Leger, 

Brig, General, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 95 

On the 2d of August, Lieut. Bird wrote to Gen. St. 
Leger, and the following is the conclusion : '' Twelve 
Massesaugers came up two or three hours after my 
departure. These, with the scout of fifteen, I had the 
honor to mention to you in my last, are sufficient to 
invest Fort Stanwix, if you honor me so far as not to 
order to the contrary." 

Under the same date St. Leger returned the fol- 
lowing answer : 

'' I this instant received your letter containing the 
account of your operations since you were detached, 
which I with great pleasure tell you have been sensible 
and spirited ; your resolution of investing Fort Stan- 
wix is perfectly right ; and to enable you to do it with 
greater effect, I have detached Joseph (Brant) and his 
corps of Indians to reinforce you. You will observe 
that I will have nothing but an investiture made, and 
in case the enemy, observing the discretion and judg- 
ment with which it is made, should offer to capitulate, 
you are to tell them that you are sure I am well dis- 
posed to listen to them ; this is not to take any honor 
out of a young soldier's hands, but by the presence of 
the troops to prevent the barbarity and carnage which 
will ever obtain where Indians make so superior a 
part of a detachment ; I shall move from hence at 
eleven o'clock, and be early in the afternoon at the 
entrance of the creek. 

I am, sir, your most obt. and humble ser't, 

Barry St. Leger. 

Mne Mile Pointy Aug. 2, 1777. 

On the 3d of August, Gen. St. Leger arrived before 



96 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

the fort; he soon found that ihe garrison had no dis- 
position to surrender. Col. Gansevoort had anticipa- 
ted his approach, and with his hrave soldiers were 
determined to defend their post to the last. Soon 
after St. Leger published the following proclamation : 

" By Barry St. Leger, commander in ch ef of a 
chosen body of troops from the grand army, as well 
as an extensive corps of Indian allies from all the 
Nations, &c. &c. 

"• The forces intrusted to my command are designed 
to act in concert, and upon a common principle with 
the numerous armies and fleets which already display, 
in every quarter of America, the power, the justice, 
and when properly sought, the mercy of the king. 
The cause in which the British armies are thus ex- 
erted, applies to the most affecting interests of the 
human heart ; and the military servants of the crown, 
at first called forth for the sole purpose of restoring 
the rights of the constitution, now combine with love 
of their country and duty to their sovereign, the other 
extensive incitements which spring from a due sense 
of the general privileges of mankind. To the eyes 
and ears of the tejuperate part of the public, and to 
the hearts of suffering thousands in the provinces, be 
the melancholy appeal, whether the present unnatu- 
ral rebellion has not been made a foundation for the 
completest system of tyranny, that ever God in his 
displeasure suffered for a time to be exercised over a 
froward and stubborn generation. . 

'' x\rbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property, 
persecution and torture unprecedented in the inquisi- 
tions of the Romish Church, are among the palpable 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 97 

enormities that verify tlie affirmation. These are in- 
flicted by assemblies and committees, who dare to 
profess themselves friends to liberty, upon the most 
quiet subjects, without distinction of age or sex, for 
the sole crime, often for the sole suspicion, of hav- 
ing adhered in principle to the government under 
which they were born, and to which, by every tie 
divine and human, they owe allegiance. To con- 
summate these shocking proceedings, the profanation 
of religion is added to the most profligate prostitution 
of common reason ; the consciences of men are set at 
naught, and multitudes are compelled not only to 
bear arms, but also to swear subjection to an usurpa- 
tion they abhor. 

" Animated by these considerations ; at the head of 
troops in the full powers of health, discipline, and 
valor; determined to strike where necessary, and 
anxious to spare where possible, I, by these presents, 
invite and exhort all persons in all places where the 
progress of this army may point, and by the blessing 
of God I will extend it far, to maintain such a conduct 
as may justify me in protecting their lands, habita- 
tions, and families. The intention of this address is 
to hold forth security and not depredation to the 
country. 

'' To those, whose spirit and principle may induce 
to partake the glorious task of redeeming their coun- 
trymen from dungeons, and re-establishing the bless- 
ings of legal government, I offer encouragement and 
employment, and upon th^ first intelligence of their 
associations, I will find means to assist their underta- 
kings. The domestic, the industrious, the infirm, 
5* 



98 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

and even the timid inhabitants, I am desirous to pro- 
tect, provided they remain quietly at their houses — 
that they do not suffer their bridges or roads to be 
broken up, nor by any other acts, directly or indi- 
rectly, endeavor to obstruct the operations of the 
king's troops, or supply or assist those of the enemy. 
Every species of provisions brought to my camp will 
be paid for at an eeputable rate, and in solid coin. 

'* If, notwithstanding these endeavors, and sincere 
inclinations to etiect them, the frenzy of hostility 
should remain, I trust I shall stand acquitted in the 
eyes of God and men, in denouncing and executing 
the vengeance of the state against the wilful outcasts. 
The messengers of justice and of wrath await them in 
the field, and devastation, famine, and every concom- 
itant horror, that a reluctant, but indispensable prose- 
cution of military duty must occasion, will bar the 
w^ay to their return. 

{Sig?ied) Barry St. Leger. 

By order of the Commander in Chief, 

Will. Osb. Hamilton, Secretary, 

How well the threats and promises set forth in the 
foregoing letters and proclamation were fulfilled, will 
appear in the sequel. 

Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to 
the relief of the garrison, and not being disposed to 
receive him in his camp, St. Leger detached a body 
of Indians and Tories under Brant and Col. Butler to 
watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his 
march. The -surrounding country afforded every 
facility for tlie practice of the Indian mode of war- 



ANiNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 99 

fare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were 
secure from observation, and to them they could re- 
treat in case they were defeated. Finding that the 
militia approached in a very careless manner, Butler 
determined to attack them by surprise. He selected 
a place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles 
from the fort there was a deep ravine, sweeping to- 
ward the east in a semicircular form, and having a 
northern and southern direction. The bottom of 
this ravine was marshy, and the road along which 
the militia were marching crossed it by means of a 
log causeway. The ground thus parCly enclosed by 
the ravine was elevated and level. Along the road, 
on each side on this height of land, Butler disposed 
his men. 

About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of Au- 
gust, the Tryon County militia arrived at this place 
without any suspicions of danger. The dark foliage of 
the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush, 
entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The 
advanced guard, with about two-thirds of the whole 
force, had gained the elevated ground; the baggage 
wagons had descended into the ravine — Col. Fisher's 
regiment was still on the east side — when the Indians 
arose, and with a dreadful yell poured a destructive 
lire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely 
cut off. Those wlio survived the first fire were imme- 
diately cut down with the tomahawk. The horror of 
ihe scene was increased by the personal appearance 
of the savages, who were almost naked, and painted in 
a most hideous manner. They ran down each side, 
keeping up a constant fire, and united at the cause- 



100 BORDER WARFARE OF KEW YORKj OR, 

way; thus dividing the mih'tia into two bodies. The 
rear regiment, after a feeble resistance, fled in con- 
fusion, and were pursued by the Indians. They suf- 
fered more severely than they would have done had 
they stood their ground, or advanced to the support of 
the main body in front. 

The latter course would have been attended with 
great loss, but might probably have been effected. 
The forward division had no alternative but to fight. 
Facing out in every direction, they sought shelter be- 
hind the trees and returned the fire of the enemy with 
spirit. In thie beginning of |he battle the Indians, 
whenever they saw that a gun was fired from behind 
a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus 
firing before he had time to reload his gun.* To 
counteract this, two men were ordered to station them- 
selves behind one tree, the one reserving his fire until 
the Indian ran up. In this way the Indians were made 
to suffer severely in return. The fighting had continued 
for some time, and the Indians had begun to give way, 
when Major Watts, a brother-in-law of Sir John John- 
son, brought up a reinforcement, consisting of a de- 
tachment of Johnson's Greens. The blood of the Ger- 
mans boiled with indignation at the sight of these 
men. Many of the Greens were personally known to 
them. They had fled their country, and were now 

* "Again. Let me recall, gentlemen, to your recollection, tliat bloody 
field in which Herkimer fell. Tliere was found the Indian and the 
■white man born on the banks of the Mohawk, tlieir left hand clenched 
in each other's hair, the right grasping in a gripe of death the knife ' 
plunged in each other's bosom ; thus they lay frowning." — Gouverneur 
Jifnfrifi'ft 4(^'^^'^^'': heforf the Npn York Historiral Socifty. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 101 

returned in arms to subdue it. Their presence under 
any circumstances would have kindled up the resent- 
ment of these militia ; but coming up as they now did, 
in aid of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most 
bitter feelings of hostility. They fired upon them as 
they advanced, and then, rushing from behind their 
covers, attacked them with their bayonets, and those 
who had none, with the butt'endof their muskets — 
'^ rage supplies arms.'' This contest was maintained, 
hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens 
made a manful resistance, but were finally obliged to 
give way before the dreadful fury of their assailants, 
with the loss of thirty killed upon the spot where they 
first entered. Major Watts was wounded and taken 
prisoner, tliough afterward left upon the field. 

In this assault Col. Cox is said to have been killed ; 
possessing an athletic frame, with a daring spirit, he 
mingled in the thickest of the fight. His voice could 
be distinctly heard, as he cheeered on his men, or 
isssued his orders, amid the clashing of arms and the 
yells of the contending savages. 

About one o'clock Adam Helmer, who had been 
sent^by Gen. Herkimer with a letter to Col. Ganse- 
voort, announcing his approach, arrived at the fort. 
At 2 o'clock, Lieut. Col. Willet, with two hundred and 
and seven men, sallied from the fort for the purpose of 
making a diversion in favor of Gen. Herkimer, and 
attacked the camp of ihe enemy. This engagement 
lasted about an hour, when the enemy were driven off 
with considerable loss. Col. Willet having thrown 
out flanking parties, and ascertained that the retreat 
was not feigned, ordered his men to take as much of 



102 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

the spoil as they could remove, and to destroy the re- 
mainder. On their return to the fort, above the land- 
ing-,' and near where the old French fort stood, a party 
of 200 regular troops appeared, and prepared to 
give battle. A smart fire of musketry, aided by the 
cannon from the fort, soon obliged them to retreat, 
when Willet returned into the fort with his spoil, and 
without the loss of a single man. A part of that spoil 
was placed upon the walls of the fortress, where it 
waved in triumph in sight of the vanquished enemy. 

This timely and well-conducted sally was attended 
with complete success. A shower of rain had already 
caused the enemy to slacken their fire, when finding 
by their reports that their camp was attacked and 
taken, they withdrew and left the militia in possession 
of the field. 

Few battles have been fought at a greater disadvan- 
tage than was that of Oriskany, on the part of the 
Americans. After recovering from the confusion of 
the first attack, they found themselves without ammu- 
nition, save that in their cartouch-boxes. Their bag- 
gage wagons were in possession of the enemy. The 
weather was warm, and, surrounded by the enemy, 
they could get no water. In this state they defended 
themselves against a far superior force for five or six 
hours. The severe remarks which have been made 
upon the militia engaged in this battle, are certainly 
not warranted. They had been imprudent, but they 
were brave, and, in this kind of fight, skillful. 

The Americans lost in killed nearly 200, and about 
as many wounded and prisoners ; they carried off be- 
ween 40 and 50 of their wounded. They encamped 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. IQS 

the first night upon the ground where old Fort Schuy- 
ler was built. 

Among the wounded was Gen. Herkimer. Early 
in the action his leg was fractured by a musket ball. 
The leg was amputated a few days after, but in con- 
sequence of the unfavorable state of the weather, and 
want of skill in the surgeons, mortification ensued, 
and occasioned his death. On receiving his wound, his 
horse having been killed, he directed his saddle to be 
placed upon a little hillock of earth and rested him- 
self upon it. Being advised to choose a place where 
he would be less exposed, he replied : " I will face 
the enemy." Surrounded by a few men, he contin- 
ued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, 
and in the heat of the battle, he very deliberately took 
from his pocket his tinder-box and lit his pipe, which 
he smoked with great composure. He was certainly 
to blame for not using greater caution on his march, 
but the coolness and intrepidity which he exhibited 
when he found himself ambuscaded, aided materially 
in restoring order and in inspiring his men with courage. 
His loss was deeply lamented by his friends and by 
the inhabitants of Tryon County. The Continental 
Congress, in October following, directed that a monu- 
ment should be erected to his memory, of the value of 
five hundred dollars. 

In a letter accompanying the resolution, the Con- 
gress say : '' Every mark of distinction shown to the 
memory of such illustrious men as oflfer up their lives 
for the liberty and happiness of this country, reflects 
real honor on those who pay the grateful tribute; and 
by holding up to others the prospect of fame and im- 



104 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

mortalit}^, will animate them to tread in the same 
path. 

Governor George Clinton, who forwarded the letter 
and resolution to the Tryon County committee added: 

" Enclosed you have a copy of a letter and resolves 
of Congress for erecting a monument to the memory 
of your late gallant General. While with you I lament 
the causes, I am impressed with a due sense of the great 
and justly merited honor the continent has, in this in- 
stance, paid to the memory of that brave man." We 
regret to state that no monument has ever been erected 
to his memory in pursuance of that or any other 
resolve.* 



* Tlie scenes with which this sturdy old patriot was connected, were 
of thrilling and romantic interest. His interview with Brant, at Una- 
dilla ; his conduct on the bloody field of Oriskany, and his subsequent 
death, were all characteristic, and would form a fine subject for the 
poet or the painter. Henry R. Schoolcraft, Esq., to whom the country 
is so much indebted for liis researches in Indian history, thus describes 
the closing scenes : 

" The wounded General himself was thus carried by his affectionate 
soldiery to his own house, below the Little Falls, with his leg badly 
shattered and bandaged. Ten days after the battle, amiDutation 
became necessary. The operation was unskillfully performed by a 
French surgeon in Arnold's detachment, who could not succeed in effec- 
tually staunching the blood, and he thus fell a victim to professional 
ignorance. But he preserved, on his dying bed, the same calmness and 
composure which had marked liis conduct on the field. As he saw 
that his dissolution must shortly ensue from the continued bleeding and 
the bad state of his wound, he called for his family Bible, and having 
gathered his domestic circle around him, he read aloud, in a clear 
voice, the thirty -ninth psalm — ' Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath, 
neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure ; for thine arrows stick fast 
in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.' The entire psalm is one of 
pingular appropriateness ; and the acquaintance with the sacred volume 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 105 

Tryon County siiflTered dreadfully in this battle ; 
Col. Cox, Majors Eisinlord, Klepsattie, and Van Slyck 
were killed, as was also Thomas Spencer, the Indian 
interpreter. 

John Frey, major of brigade, with Col. Bellenger, 
were taken prisoners. Most of the inferior officers 
were either killed or taken. The county was tilled 
with mourning. The enemy sustained a severe loss 
likewise. The Indians, according to their own state- 
ments, lost in killed nearly 100 warriors. More than 
30 of the Seneca tribe alone were killed. The loss of 
the regulars and Tories is not known, but in the con- 
test with Herkimer and Willet must have been nearly 
or quite a hundred. 

The following- extracts are from a statement made 



which its selection evinces, proves that if, in the field, he was an un- 
daunted soldier, he was not less, on the threshold of another world, a 
trustful Christian, Other generals have fallen in the arms of victory, 
but Nicholas Herkimer may be said to have fallen in the arms of his 
Maker. Congress passed a resolution, and appropriated money to 
erect a monument to his memory — an act of justice yet unperformed ; 
but his name has long been inscribed in the hearts of liis countrymen 
as one of the noble patriots to whom we owe our national indepen- 
dence." — Proceedings of the A^. Y. Historical Society !' 

Two or three years ago, upon the memorial of the New York His- 
torical Society, a bill was reported by the Committee on Revolutionaiy 
Claims, in the House of Representatives of the United States, making 
a liberal appropriation for the erection of a monument to Herkimer. 
But it was swallowed up in the great gulf of " unfinished business ;" 
the bill was never reached on the calendar. The remains of General 
Herkimer lie buried in the hillside, near his former residence, at a 
point overloking, to a great extent, the valley of the Mohawk. But 
there is no monument to attract the attention of the teeming millions 
who throng that great travelled thoroughfare. A small rough and ur- 



106 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

by the State Council of Safety, on the 15th of August, 
to the delegates of the province in General Congress: 

" If it is not inconsistent with the general interest, 
\ve would most earnestly wish for one or two regiments 
of riflemen, who would be very useful in our woody 
countr}^, and whose very name would serve to intimi- 
date the savages. Would the circumstances admit of 
our drawing our whole force to a point, and were the 
passes to the southward secured by a sufficient number 
of troops, exclusive of our militia, we should not have 
thought it necessary to call in any aid from the neigh- 
boring States ; but at present, attacked on every side, 
we stand in need of more assistance than we have, 
from present appearances, reason to hope for." 

The same report thus alludes to the late transaction 
in Tryon County : 



hewn head-stone, without figui'e or letter of any description, alone marks 
the place of his sepulture. 

It is a matter of some historical interest, that the siege of Fort Schuy- 
ler and battle of Oriskany, was the^rs^ subject of congratulation in the 
first message oi the first Governor of the State of N'ew York. 

"At present, by the kind interposition of Providence, the cloud which 
hung over us seems in a great measure disjaelled, and we have reason 
to expect a happy issue to this campaign. The good conduct and 
bravery of the garrisoti of Fort Schuyler, seconded by the intrepidity of 
the late gallant General Herkimer aiid the militia of Tryon County, 
have entirely frustrated the designs of the enemy upon that part of the 
State" — Extract from Message of Gov. George Clinton, Sept. 10, 1177. 

And, singular as it may seem, the subject of a monimient to General 
Herkimer, formed the last recommendation in the last message of De 
Witt Clinton, the illustrious nephew of the first Governor : 

" At the last meeting of the Legislature, I recommended a monu- 
mental erection in honor of General Herkimer, and to which I beg 
leave to refer you." — Gov. ClintovUs Message, Jan. 1st, 1828. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 107 

''By the papers enclosed you will find that our troops 
and militia have behaved with becoming spirit in 
Tryon County ; but as it is out of our power to sup- 
port them, we fear that that county must fall into the 
hands of the enemy ; in which case, by means of the 
Indians, who will then be wholly in their power, they 
may ravage all that part of this State which lies to the 
westward of Hudson's River, as well as the frontiers of 
New Jersey and Pennsylvania." 

After reviewing the general state of the province, 
and remarking that in many places the disaffected had 
gained the ascendency, and compelled the Whigs to 
side with them, they added, with true Spartan spirit : 
" We are resolved, if we do fall, ta fall as becomes 
brave men." 

But to return to Fort Schuyler: St. Leger, availing 
himself of this disastrous battle, endeavored by strong 
representations of Indian cruelty to obtain immediate 
possession of the fort. Major Frey, who was wounded, 
and Col. Bellenger, both prisoners, threatened proba- 
bly with the treatment which some others received, 
on the evening of the battle wrote to Col. Gansevoort 
the following letter : 

'' 9 o'' clock J P. M, — Camp before Fori Stanwix, 

6th August, 1777. 
" Sir, 
" It is with concern we are to acquaint you that this 
was the fatal day in which the succors, which were 
intended for your relief, have been attacked and de- 
feated with great loss of numbers of killed, wounded, 
and taken prisoners. Our regard for your safety and 



108 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

lives, and our sincere advice to j^ou is, if you will 
avoid inevitable ruin and deslruction, to surrender the 
fort you pretend to defend against a formidable body 
of troops and a good train of artillery, whicli we are 
witnesses of ; when at the same time you have no 
farther support or relief to expect. We are sorry to 
inform you tliat most of the principal officers are kill- 
ed, to wit. Gen. Herkimer, Colonels Cox, Seeber, 
Isaac Paris, Captain Graves, and many others, too 
tedious to mention. The British army from Canada 
being now perhaps before Albany, the possession of 
which place of course includes the conquest of the 
Mohawk River and this fort." 

The following endorsement is on tlie back of this, 
letter : " Gen. St. Leger, on the day of the date of 
this letter ; made a verbal summons of the fort by his 
adjutant general, and Colonel Butler, and who then 
handed this letter ; when Colonel Gansevoort refused 
any ans\ver to a verbal summons, unless made by 
Gen. St. Leger himself, but at the mouth of his can- 
non" — a written summons was the result. This de- 
mand was repeated on the 8th, when the adjutant 
general and Col. Butler were led blindfolded into 
the presence of the gallant commanders, Gansevoort 
and Willet. To the promises and threats of Butler 
they replied, that it would only be another Fort Wil- 
liam Henry scene, and that they would not surrender 
it, and especially upon a verbal summons. 

On the 9th, St. Leger wrote Col. Gansevoort the 
following letter : 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 109 

" Sir, 
" Agreeably to your wishes, I have the honor to 
give you, on paper, the message of yesterday ; though 
I cannot conceive, explicit and humane as it was, how it 
could admit of more than one construction. After the 
defeat of the reinforcement, and the fate of all your 
principal leaders, on which naturally you built your 
hopes, and having the strongest reason, from verbal 
intelligence, and the matter contained in the letters 
tliat fell into my hands, and knowing thoroughly the 
situation of Gen. Burgoyne's army, to be confident 
that you are without resource ; in my fears and ten- 
derness for your personal safety from the hands of the 
Indians, enraged for the loss of some of their principal 
and most favorite leaders, I called to council the chiefs 
of all the nations, and after having used every method 
that humanity could suggest, to soften their minds, 
and lead them patiently to bear their own losses, by- 
reflecting on the irretrievable misfortune of their ene- 
my, I at last labored the point my humanity wished 
for ; which the chiefs assured me of the next morning, 
after a consultation with each nation that evening, at 
their fire-places. Their answer, in its fullest extent, 
they insisted should be carried by Col. Butler ; which 
he has given you in the most categorical manner. 
You are well acquainted that Indians never send mes- 
sages without accompanying them with menaces on 
non-compliance, that a civilized enemy would never 
think of doing. You may rest assured, therefore, 
that no insult was meant to be offered to your situa- 
tion by the king's servants in the message ihey per- 
emptorily demanded to be carried by Col. Butler ; I 



110 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

am now to repeat what has been told you by my ad- 
jutant general. That provided you deliver up your 
garrison, with everything as it stood at the moment 
the first message was sent, your people shall be treated 
with every attention that a humane and generous 
enemy can give. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Your most obedient and humble servant, 

Barry St. Leger, 
Brigadier General of his Majesty'' s Forces. 
Camp before Fort Stanwix, Aug, 9thy 1777. 
" P. S. I expect an immediate answer, as the In- 
dians are extremely impatient ; and if this proposal is 
rejected, I am afraid it will be attended with very 
fatal consequences, not only to you and your garrison, 
but the whole country down the Mohawk River ; such 
consequences as would be very repugnant to my senti- 
ments of humanity, but after this entirely out of my 
power to prevent." 

Colonel Gansevoort returned the following laconic 
answer : 
'<■ Sir, 
" In answer to your letter of this day's date, I have 
only to say that it is my determined resolution, with 
the forces under my command, to defend this fort, at 
every hazard, to the last extremity, in behalf of the 
United American States, who have placed me here to 
defend it against all their enemies. 
I have the honor to be^ Sir, 

Your most obt. and humble ser't, 

Peter Gansevoort, 
CoL commanding. Fort Stanwix, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. HI 

St. Leger threw up several redoubts, but his artil- 
lery was not sufficient to make any impression upon 
the fort. '' The siege continued until the 22d of Au- 
gust, 1777, when St. Leger had advanced to within 
one hundred and fifty yards of the fort. Ignorant of 
the fate of Colonel Willet, his second in command, 
who, with Lieutenant Stockwell, had undertaken a 
hazardous enterprise to procure relief for the garrison ; 
his provisions daily exhausting; some of his officers, 
anxious to accept the proffered protection of St. Le- 
ger from the fury of the savages by making a timely 
surrender ; all communication with the fort cut off by 
the besiegers, and having no certain prospect of re- 
lief; Gansevoort, who knew not how to yield when 
he was guarding his country's honor and safety, had 
adopted the desperate resolution, in case no reinforce- 
ment should arrive before his provisions were reduced 
to a few days' supply (after distributing them among 
his men) to head the brave remnant of his garrison, 
and fight his way at night through the enemy, or 
perish in the attempt. Those who knew him best, 
knew how well he dared to execute his resolves."* 

Col. Willet and Lieut. Stockwell left the fort by 
night, and, having eluded the enemy, passed down 
the Mohawk country for the purpose of again assem- 
bling the militia for its relief. It is one among the 
many instances of personal courage which were ex- 
hibited upon this frontier, by that intrepid soldier. 
Col. Willet. So successful was he in all his move- 
ments, that the Indians, believing him to be possessed 

* American Biographical Dictionary. 



112 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

of supernatural powers, gave to him the name of " the 
Devil." 

Gen. Schuyler, who from the beginning had felt a 
great anxiety as to the event of this siege, knowing 
how disastrous it would be, should the fort be taken, 
on the news of the defeat of Gen. Herkimer dis- 
patched Gens. Learned and Arnold, with a brigade 
of men, to its relief. Under date of August 10th, Al- 
bany, he wrote Col. Gansevoort the following letter : 

"Dear Colonel — A body of troops left this yester- 
day, and others are following, to raise the siege of 
Fort Schuyler. Everybody here believes you will 
defend it to the last ; and I strictly enjoin you so 
to do. 

" Gen. Burgoyne is at Fort Edward — our army at 
Stillwater — great reinforcements coming from the 
eastward, and we trust all will be well, and that the 
enemy will be repulsed." 

' Gen. Arnold, with about 900 light troops, leaving 
behind all the heavy baggage, advanced some dis- 
tance before Gen. Learned, and on the 22d of Au- 
gust addressed the following letter to Col. Ganse- 
voort, dated at German Flats : 

" Dear Colonel — I wrote you the 19tli, that I 
should be with you in a few days ; since which your 
express is arrived, and informs me you are in high 
spirits, and no apprehensions at present. I have been 
retarded by the badness of the roads, waiting for some 
baggage and ammunition wagons, and for the militia, 
who did not at first turn out with that spirit I expect- 
ed ; they are now joining me in great numbers ; a 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 113 

few days will relieve you ; be under no ! ind of app:e- 
hension ; I know the strength of the enemy, and how 
to deal with them. Enclosed are several letters and 
papers, which will announce to you a signal victory 
gained by Gen. Stark over the enemy ; you will ac- 
cept my congratulatory compliments on tlie occasion. 
Howe, with the shattered remnant of his army, are 
now on shipboard. The last date was the 4th Au- 
gust; he was in the Gulf Stream, becalmed. Bur- 
goyne, I hear this minute, is retreating to 'I y. I 
make no doubt our army, which is near fil'teen thou- 
sand, will cut off his retreat. 

'' Adieu, and believe me to ba, dear colonel, yours 
sincerely, 

B. Arnold.'' 

From this place, a few days before, Gen. Arnold 
sent forward Hanyost Schuyler, a refugee, to the 
camp of St. Leger. He had given him his liberty, on 
condition that he would announce his approach, and 
make an exaggerated statement of his forces. He re- 
tained his brother as an hostage. 

In the camp of St. Leger all was confusion. The 
Indians, disappointed in obtaining plunder, and en- 
raged on account of their losses, could scarcely be re- 
strained. They supposed ti at in the action they had 
fired across and killed each other. The confusion 
was greatly increased by the arrival of Schuyler. On 
being questioi:ed as to the number of troops approach- 
ing, he answered — he knew not, but they were as 
numerous as the leaves upon the forest trees. The 
Indians refused to remain any longer. All the arts of 
6 



114 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

their leaders were unavailing. On the 22cl of August, 
St. Leger retired in great confusion, leaving his camp 
with a great part of his baggage. The Indians plun- 
dered from their friends in the retreat, and, it is said, 
raised a shout that the Americans were coming, and 
then amused themselves in witnessing the terror it 
occasioned. St. Leger has been accused by his subal- 
tern officers of a want of energy. He is said to have 
been in a state of intoxication during most of the time 
his forces lay before the fort. 

Thus ended the siege of Fort Schuyler, and a cam- 
paign which, at the commencement, threatened the 
valley of the Mohawk with conquest and devastation. 

On the 24th of August, Gen. Arnold arrived, to the 
great joy of the garrison. 

The fury and cruelty of the Indians and Tories may 
be learned from the following affidavit, the original 
of which is now in the office of the Secretary of State. 
The high standing of Dr. Younglove, who died a few 
years since in the city of Hudson, is a sufficient vou- 
cher for its truth. The compiler has seen several 
persons to whom the same facts were communicated 
by him in his lifetime. 

'' Moses Younglove,* surgeon of General Herki- 
mer's brigade of militia, deposeth and saith, that being 
in the battle of said militia, above Oriskany, on the 
6th of August last, toward the close of said battle he 
surrendered himself a prisoner to a savage, vvbo im- 
mediately gave him up to a sergeant of Sir John 
Johnson's regiment; soon after which, a lieutenant in 



* See Appendix — Note E, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 115 

the Indian department came up, in company with 
several other Tories, when said Mr. Grinnis by name, 
drew his tomahawk at this deponent, and with deal 
of persuasion was hardly prevailed on to spare his 
life. He then plundered him of his watch, buckles, 
spurs, &c., and other Tories following his example, 
stripped him almost naked, with a great many threats, 
while they were stripping and massacreing prisoners 
on every side. That this deponent, on being brought 
before Mr. Butler, senior, who demanded of him what 
he was fighting for ; to which this deponent answered, 
' he fought for the liberty that God and nature gave 
him, and to defend himself and dearest connections 
from the massacre of savages.^ To which Butler re- 
plied, ' you are a damned impudent rebel ;' and so 
saying, immediately turned to the savages, encourag- 
ing them to kill him, and if they did not, the depo- 
nent and the other prisoners should be hanged on a 
gallows then preparing. That several prisoners were 
then taken forward towards the enemy's head-quar- 
ters, with frequent scenes of horror and massacre, 
in which Tories were active as well as savages ; and 
in particular, one Davis, formerly known in Tryon 
County, on the Mohawk River. That Lieut. Single- 
ton, of Sir John Johnson's regiment, being wounded, 
entreated the savages to kill tlie prisoners ; Avhich 
they accordingly did, as nigh as this deponent can 
judge, about six or seven. 

"That Isaac Paris, Esq., was also taken the same 
road without receiving from them any remarkable 
insnlt except stripping, until some Tories came np,who 
kicked and abused him, after w4iich the savages, 
thinking him a notable offender, murdered him bar- 



116 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

barously. That those of the prisoners who were de- 
livered up to the provost guards, were kept without 
victuals for many days, and liad neither clothes, blan- 
kets, shelter nor fire, wliile the guards were ordered 
not to use any violence in protecting the prisoners 
from the savages, who came every day in large com- 
panies with knives, feeling of the prisoners, to know 
who were fattest. That the}^ dragged one of the pris- 
oners out of the guard with the most lamentable cries ; 
tortured him for a long time, and this deponent was 
informed by both Tories and Indians, that they ate 
him, as appears they did another on an island in 
Lake Ontario, by bones found there nearly picked, 
just after they had crossed the lake with the prison- 
ers. That the prisoners who were not delivered up, 
were murdered in considerable numbers from day to 
day round the camp, some of them so nigh that their 
shrieks were heard. That Capt. Martin, of the bat- 
teaux-men, was delivered to the Indians at Oswego, 
on pretense of his having kept back some useful in- 
telligence. That this deponent during his imprison- 
ment, and his fellows, were kept almost starved for 
provisions, and what they drew were of the w^orst 
kind, such* as spoiled flour, biscuit full of maggots and 
mouldy, and no soap allowed, or other method of keep- 
ing clean, and were insulted, struck, &c., without 
mercy by the guards, without any provocation given. 
That this deponent was informed by several sergeants 
orderly on Gen. St. Leger, that twenty dollars were 
offered in general orders for every American scalp. 

Moses Younglove. 

John Barclay, Chairman of Albany Committee.'*^ 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. HY 

Col. Gansevoort, in a letter under date of July 29th, 
confirms the statement, that St. Leger had offered 
twenty dollars for every American scalp. Small par- 
ties of Indians were then lurking around. A few 
days before, he adds, a firing was heard in the woods 
about five hundred yards from the fort. On sallying 
out, it was found that the Indians had fired upon 
three young girls who were eng^aged picking ber- 
ries. Two of them were killed and scalped, and 
the third made her escape, wounded by two balls 
shot through her shoulder. The foregoing statements 
need no comment. The men who employed such 
instruments, and who stimulated them by promises 
and rewards, have received the just execration of an 
indignant people. I shall leave it to the reader to 
compare their conduct with their professions. 

The retreat of St. Leger, with the success of the 
American arms at Bennington, restored hope and ani- 
mation. Tryon County, smiling through her tears, 
obeyed with alacrity the call to reinforce Gen. Gates 
in the month of September following. Her militia 
mounted on horseback, some without saddles, others 
without bridles, sallied forth. If as uncouth in ap- 
pearance, they were equally as zealous as the Knight 
of La Mancha. Large reinforcements of eastern 
militia having come on, the Tryon County militia 
were directed to return hom^ before the surrender. 
The splendid victory over Burgoyne at Saratoga, with 
the surrender of his whole arm}^, produced feelings of 
joy in the bosom of the Americans as deep and per- 
vading as had been those of their despondency. 
Counting upon that success, many a hope was enter- 



118 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

tained, and many a prayer put up, that a speedy ter- 
mination would be put to the unhappy war in which 
they were engaged. 

It is not our province to inquire into the policy or 
propriety of the change of commanders of the north- 
ern army. Gen. Schuyler* was always a favorite 
with the inhabitants of New York. Those few sur- 
vivors, who have come down to us, the relics of his 
day, still cherish his name in grateful remembrance. 
Tryon County owed much to his vigilance and atten- 
tion. He rejoiced with her when she rejoiced, and 
wept with her when she wept. Alive to her exposed 
situation, he was always ready to afford relief, so far 
as it could be done consistently. The following is 
the conclusion of one of his letters to the committee 
on this subject, under date of July the 4th, 1777. 

" I entreat you to keep up the spirits of the people ; 
encourage them to step forth with alacrity whenever 
they may be called upon, and our enemies will be 
baffled in their attempts ; and do not suppose that the 
United States of America will not aff'ord you protec- 
tion. I am sure I have always been ready and 
willing to afford every protection in my power, and 
hitherto it has been effectual, for no mischief worth 
mentioning has as yet been perpetrated in any part of 
your county, and you may depend upon it that upon 
no necessary occasion will you be left without proper 
support. May God keep you in his protection, is the 
sincere wish of, gentlemen. 

Your friend and humble servant, 

Philip Schuyler." 

* See Appendix — Note G. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 119 

The Baroness De Reidesel, whose husband acted 
a conspicuous part under Burgoyne, bears the follow- 
ing- testimony to his character, which I trust I shall be 
excused for inserting-. After the surrender of Bur- 
goyne, she was invited by Gen. Schuyler to spend 
some time in his family ; Gen. Burgoyne was also a 
guest. 

'' Some days after this we arrived at Albany, where 
we so often wished ourselves ; but we did not enter it 
as we expected we should, victors ; we were received 
by the good Gen. Schuyler, his wife and daughters, 
not as enemies, but kind friends, and they treated us 
with the most marked attention and politeness, as 
they did Gen. Burgoyne, who had caused Gen. Schuy- 
ler's beautifully finished house to be burnt. In fact, 
they behaved like persons of exalted minds, who de- 
termined to bury all recollections of their own injuries 
in the contemplation of our misfortunes." Gen. Bur- 
goyne was struck with Gen. Schuyler's generosity, 
and said to him, " You show me great kindness, 
although I have done you much injury." '' That was 
the fate of war," replied the brave man ; " let us say 
no more about it," 



120 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK: OR. 



CHAPTER V 



" Sad was the year ; by proud oppression driven, 

When transatlantic Liberty arose ; 

Not in the sunshine and the smile of heaven, 

But wrapt in whirlwinds and begirt with woes ; 

Amidst the strife of fratricidal foes 

Her bright star was the hght of burning plain 

Her baptism is the weiglit of blood that flows 

From kindred hearts— the blood of Pritisii veins ; 
And famine tracks her steps and pestilential j)ains." 

It has been mentioned in a preceding" chapter, that 
the inhabitants of Cherry Valley signed the associa- 
tion early in the siunmer of 1775. Their committee 
met with the committee of the county, and were con- 
nected with the transactions of that summer. It was 
stated in the account which has been given of the 
early settlement of Cherry Valley, that its inhabitar.ts 
were very strict in their observances. The following 
letter was written by the committee, and is in con- 
firmation of that statement : 

Cherry Valley^ June 9th, 1775. 

''Sirs, 

'' We received yours of yesterday, relative to the 

meeting of tlie -committee on Sunday, which surprised 

lis not a little, inasmuch as it seems not to be on any 

alarming circumstance; which, if it was, we should 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 121 

readily attend. But as that does not appear to us to 
be the case, we think it is very improper ; for unless 
the necessity of the committee sitting superexceed the 
duties to be performed in attending the public worship 
of God, we think it ought to be put off till another 
day ; and therefore we conclude not to give our 
attendance at this time, unless you adjourn the sitting 
of the committee till Monday morning; and in that 
case, we will give our attendance as early as you 
please. But otherwise, we do not allow ourselves to 
be cut short of attending on the public worship ; ex- 
cept the case be so necessitous as to exceed sacrifice. 
We conclude with wishing success to the common 
cause, and subscribe ourselves the free-born sons of 

liberty. 

John Moore. 
Samuel Clyde. 
Samuel Campbell. 
" If you proceed to sit on the Sabbath, please to 
read this letter to the committee, which we think will 
sufficiently assign our reasons for not attending.'* 
This letter was sent to the county committee. 

During the early part of the summer of 1776, Capt. 
Robert M'Kean of Cherry Valley raised a company 
of rangers, who were stationed at that place. As this 
settlement was the principal one to ihe soutli of the 
Mohawk, it was much exposed to incursions of the 
Indians in that direction. The Indians had their 
paths from Oquago along up the main streams flow- 
ing into the eastern branch of the Susquehanna. 
From thence they passed through the low indeiTta- 
6* 



122 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

tions to the Mohawk. One of these passes was 
through Cherry Valley. Every movement of the 
Indians about Oquago was calculated, therefore, to 
excite their fears. Orders having been given for the 
removal of Capt. M'Kean's company, the following 
letter was written to the committee, in the name of 
the inhabitants, by the Rev. Mr. Dunlop, under date 
of June 3d, 1776. 

'^ We, tlie inhabitants of Cherry Valley, being 
assembled yesterday at a public town-meeting, and 
among other things taking the present critical situa- 
tion of affairs into consideration, looked upon our- 
selves, and the neighborhood around us, Springfield 
and Newtown-Martin, as a frontier, lying very open 
and unguarded, and very much exposed to the enemy, 
in case an Indian war should break out, or any party 
of the enemy should take it into their heads to come 
down upon iis ; and that it would be absolutely neces- 
sary to have a party of men stationed here among us, 
in order to keep a sharp look-out, and to scout all 
around our frontiers ; lest at any time we be taken by 
surprise. And therefore, have appointed me to write 
to you, to lay this matter warmly before the commit- 
tee, and earnestly to impress them with the absolute 
necessity of the thing, and to beg of them, that if 
Capt. M'Kean and his company be removed from this 
place, that they would be pleased to send some others 
in his stead ; that we may not lie altogether naked 
and exposed to the assaults of the enemy." 

The committee not being able to comply with this 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 123 

request, on the 1st of July several of the inhabitants 
drew up and signed the following petition : 

'' To the honorable members of the Provincial Con- 
gress of New York — 

" The humble petition of the inhabitants of Cherry 
Valley, Newtown-Martin, and Springfield, in the 
county of Tryon, humbly showeth : 

'' That we, the aforesaid inhabitants, from the most 
authentic intelligence we have received from our mis- 
sionaries and Indian friends, learn that we are in im- 
minent danger of being cut off by the savages, our 
enemies, whom we understand are bribed by Sir John 
Johnson and Col. Butler to execute the same. 

^^Know also, honorable gentlemen, that the spirit of 
our inhabitants has been such for the American cause, 
that out of the small and scattered bounds of Cherry 
Valley and Newtown-Martin, no less than thirty- 
three has turned out for immediate service, and good 
of their country, and thereby left us in a defenseless 
condition. 

" We therefore, your humble petitioners, humbly 
pray you would forthwith take this, our deplorable 
and distressed state and condition, under your imme- 
diate consideration, and meditate some speedy relief 
for us, before it be too late ; especially, as the inhab- 
itants of the Old England district, and Unadilla, are 
daily flying in to our settlement, so that we shall im- 
mediately, in all appearance, become an open, defense- 
less, and unguarded frontier, and very much exposed 
to the insnlts of the enemy, especially scalping parties ; 
9.fici are at present without either ammunition or men. 



X24 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

any way sufficient to defend ourselves ; and unless 
you, gentlemen, that can help us, will help us, hy 
sending ammunition to the inhabitants, and a suffi- 
cient number of men, such as )^ou may think proper, 
to guard our frontiers, we must expect to fall victims 
to tlie rage and fury of our merciless enemies. And, 
therefore, must once more beg you may take this our 
deplorable circumstances underyour consideration, and 
send us immediate relief, and your petitioners shall 
ever pray." 

This petition was signed by Samuel Dunlop, Sam- 
uel Campbell, James Scott, Robert Wells, James 
Richey, James Moore, Samuel Clyde. TJieir req lest 
was now granted, and a company of rangers under 
Capt. Winn was ordered here. 

Those persons who had held commissions, or who 
were exempt from military duty in consequence of 
being above 60 years of age, formed themselves into a 
company to protect themselves and families. The 
spirit of disaffection found its way into this settlement, 
and several went to the enemy during the campaign 
of 1777. No fortification had yet been erected. Brant, 
during the summer of 1777, had collected a conside- 
rable number of warriors at Oquago. His visit to 
Unadilla, as before stated, excited the fears of the in- 
habitants, and they deemed it necessary that some 
more efficient steps should be taken, to prepare for a 
defense, in case they should be attacked. The house 
of Col. Samuel Campbell, being the largest, and situ- 
ated on elevated ground, was selected as the best place 
for a fortification. A rude embankment of logs and 
earth was thrown up, enclosing the house and two 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 125 

large barns. The inhabitants of the surrounding 
country assembled there, carrying with them such of 
the.r effects as were most valuable. The doors were 
doubled, strong window-shutters were provided, and 
the whole rendered bullet proof. Two small block- 
houses w^ere erected within the enclosure. Military 
law was enforced, and no person was suffered to come 
into, or leave the settlement, without permission. 
They remained in this situation during most of the 
summer, and in the fall returned to their respective 
habitations. They obeyed the call of Gen, Herkimer, 
but, being detained, did not arrive until after the action. 
Lieut. Col. Campbell, and Major, afterward Col. 
Clyde, were the only persons from Cherry Vulley in 
the battle of Orisk'any. They were next in command 
to Col. Cox, and at the close of that unfortunate con- 
test led off the remains of his brave regiment. 

In the spring of 1778, when Gen. La Fayette was 
at Johnstown, Col. Campbell and Mr. Wilson waited 
upon him, and represented the exposed situation of 
C. erry Valley. After examining its location on a map 
which they furnished him, he directed a fort to be 
built there. It was considered an object of great im- 
portance to keep the inhabitants of the frontiers at 
their homes, as by moving in they would necessarily 
create great confusion, and would expose to sudden 
inroads of the enemy places of great importance. For 
this reason, small forts were elected, and military 
posts were maintained along the frontier, wherever it 
was found practicable. 

A fort was subsequently erected, in pursuance of the 
directions of Gen. La Fayette. Early in the spring, 



126 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

the inhabitants returned to their old quarters, where 
they remained until it was completed. Many of the 
inhabitants of Unadilla and other towns came in. 
As all the exercises and sports were of a military na- 
ture, the younger boys, in imitation of their elders, 
formed themselves into a company. Those who were 
acquainted with military evolutions, instructed them. 
Armed with wooden guns, they paraded with all the 
pride of soldiers. It was a fine pleasant morning, to- 
ward the latter part of May, that these minature 
soldiers sallied out, and paraded upon the green east 
of the house. That morning. Brant, having come up 
from Oquago with a party of his men, had posted 
them upon the hill about a mile farther east ; and con- 
cealed by the thick woods which covered it, was look- 
ing down upon the little fortification. His intention, 
as afterwards explained by a Tory who accompanied 
him, was to make an attack the following night, and 
either to kill, or carry away prisoners, some of the 
principal persons, and especially the committee. This 
sagacious warrior was deceived when he saw this little 
company of boys. Looking down from an elevation, 
and the view being obstructed by the trees, he sup- 
posed them to be men. Turning round to his follow- 
ers he remarked — " Col. Campbell has got his house 
well guarded, I perceive." During the day, he ascer- 
tained that the inhabitants were in garrison, but that 
no militia or soldiers from abroad were there. Wish- 
ing to gain definite information, as to the force, and 
the preparations for defense, he moved his party to a 
place near the main road leading to the Mohawk 
River, about two miles to the north. Here he lay in 
wait behind a large rock. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 127 

A short distance from this, the road wound along 
near the top of a ledge of rocks, forming a precipice 
a hundred and fifty feet high. It was shaded by ev- 
ergreens, and was dark even at mid-day. Its wildness 
was increased by the dashing of a small stream which 
fell over this precipice, called by the Indians the falls 
of the Tekaharawa. That day, Lieut. Wormwood 
came up from the Mohawk River, and informed the 
garrison that Col. Klock would arrive the next day, 
with a part of his regiment of militia. It was almost 
night when he started to return, accompanied by 
Peter Sitz, the bearer of some dispatches. Throwing 
down his portmanteau, he mounted his horse, saying 
he should not need it until his return an the morrow, 
with his company. The fine personal appearance of 
this young ofl^cer, who was clad in a rich suit of ash- 
colored velvet, attracted much attention during his 
stay ; and many persons remained at the door, look- 
ing at the horsemen until they were hid by the hill 
over which they passed. The clattering of hoofs had 
scarcely died away upon the ear, when the report of 
a volley of musketry was heard. Soon after. Worm- 
wood's horse returned ; the saddle was covered with 
blood, which excited fears as to his fate but too well 
founded. A party went out that evening, but could 
make no discoveries. The next morning the body 
was found behind the rock before mentioned. They 
had arrived near the rock, when they were hailed, and 
ordered to stop. Disregarding the order, they put 
spurs to tlieir horses, and endeavored to pass. The 
Indians immediately fired ; Wormwood was wounded, 
and fell from his horsey when Brant, rushing out, 



128 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

tomahawked him with his own hand. They had 
been personal friends before th^ war, and Brant is said 
to have lamented his death ; at the time he supposed 
him to be a continental officer. Sitz's horse was 
killed, and he himself taken prisoner. Tlie dis- 
patches which he carried were double. He had pres- 
ence of mind to destroy the paper containing the true 
account of the garrison, and to give Brant the other. 
Brant retired without doing any other injury. The 
next day, Col. Klock arrived, and the father of 
Wormwood, who had been immediately apprised of 
the death of his son. He was a wealthy man, living 
in Palatine district, and this was his only son. His 
feelings, as he bent over the dead and mutilated body, 
were excruciating ; and when, in the agony of his 
soul, he cried out, ''Brant, cruel, cruel Brant!" 
tears started in many an eye which scarcely knew how 
to weep. 

On account of their exposure to sudden attacks of 
scalping parties, the inhabitants joined together and 
went round over the different farms ; some stood as 
sentinels, while others labored. This course was not 
peculiar to this place ; it was adopted along the whole 
frontier. William M'Kown, then a lad of about four- 
teen years of age, related the following interview, 
which he had this summer with Brant. Contrary to 
custom, he was sent out alone, to cure some hay. 
While engaged in raking, he heard some one walk- 
ing behind him, and turning round, perceived an In- 
dian very near him. He raised his rake to defend 
himself, when the Indian, addressing him in English, 
said, *' Do not be afraid, young man, I shall not hurt 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 129 

you." He then inquired where Mr. Foster (a Tory) 
lived. Having directed hin3, M'liown inquired if he 
knew him; to which the Indian replied, '^ I am par- 
tially acquainted with him, having once seen him at the 
Halfway Creek" (meaning Bowman's Creek, half-way 
between Cherry Valley and the Mohawk River.) The 
Indian then inquired of M'Kown his name. ''You 
are a son of Mr. M'Kown, who lives in the northeast 
part of the town, I suppose ; I know your father very 
well ; he lives neighbor to Capt. M'Kean. I know 
M'Kean very well, and a fine fellow he is, too." 
This free, familiar conversation induced M'Kown to 
inquire of the Indian his name. After a moment's 
hesitation, he answered, " My name» is Brant." 
'' What! Captain Brant?". ^' No, I am a cousin of 
his." An arch smile played over his dark features, 
as he gave this reply; then turning, he. directed his 
course toward Foster's. It was Joseph Brant him- 
self, who afterward gave the same account. M'Kown 
immediately informed the garrison, and a party went 
directly to Foster's ; but he was not there, and Foster 
denied having seen him. 

In June of this summer. Brant came up with a 
party, and burned Springfield, carrying away several 
prisoners. He collected together the women and chil- 
dren into one house, and there left them uninjured — 
an example which was not always followed by his 
allies. About the same time, it was reported that he 
was fortifying at Unadilla, and that great numbers of 
Indians and Tories were collecting around him. A 
reward was offered to any person or persons who would 
gain any satisfactory information relative to his pro- 



130 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

ceedings there. Capt. M'Kean, who was at this time in 
Cherry Valley, offered to go as a volunteer, provided 
he should be accompanied by five others. The com- 
plement was soon made' up. They arrived the first 
night at the house of a Mr. Sleeper, a Quaker, who 
lived in the town of Laurens, a distance of seme twenty- 
five miles from Cherry Valley. Sleeper informed them 
that Brant had been at his house that day with fifty men, 
and would return there that night. He advised them 
to leave, as they would be killed or taken in the event 
of his return. M'Kean looked round upon the house 
with the eye of a soldier ; observing that it was built 
strong, and of logs, he remarked — '' your house, 
friend Sleeper, shall be my fort to-night ; I have with 
me five good marksmen, and I am not myself defi- 
cient in that qualification of a soldier." Sleeper re- 
monstrated, saying, '^ he wished to remain neutral ; 
that he would be involved in difficulty, and in the 
end would lose his property, probably his life." 
JVPKean finally withdrew^, and took possession of a 
vacant house a mile or two distant. It was on this, 
or another scout a short time afterward, that M'Kean 
wrote a letter to Brant, and fastening it in a stick, 
placed the stick in an Indian path. He blamed him 
for his predatory warfare, and challenged him to meet 
him, either in single combat, or with an equal num- 
ber of men, adding, that if he would come to Cherry 
Valley, and have a fair fight, they would change him 
from a Brant into a Goose. He received this chal- 
lenge, as appears by a letter written soon after to 
Parcifer Carr, a Tory, living in Edmeston. The fol- 
lowing is an exact transcript of it : 






ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. * 131 

" Tunadilla, July 9, 1778. 
" Sir, 

'' I understand by the Indians that was at your 
house last week, that one Smith lives near with you, 
has little more corn to spare. I should be much 
obliged to you, if you would be so kind as to try to 
get as much corn as Smith can spare ; he has sent me 
five skipples already, of which I am much obliged to 
him, and will see him paid, and would be very glad 
if you could spare one or two your men to join us, 
especially Eiias. I would be glad to see him, and I 
wish you could sent me as many guns you have, as 
I know you have no use for them, if you any ; as I 
mean now to figbt the cruel rebels as well as I can : 
whatever you will able to sent'd me, you must sent'd 
by the bearer. 

I am your sincere friend and humble ser't. 

To Mr. Can\ Joseph Brant. 

«^ P. S. I heard that Cherry Valley people is very 
bold, and intended to make nothing of us ; they call us 

wild geese, but I know the contrary. 

«Uos. B." 

M'Keaft returned along the Susquehanna River, 
having succeeded in taking two prisoners. He was 
pursued by the Indians, and narrowly escaped being 
taken. When he returned to Cherry Valley, Capt. 
Ballard had arrived with a detachment of 100 men, 
being a part of Col. Alden's continental regiment. 
Col. A.lden arrived a day or two after with the 
remainder of the regiment. Stockades had been 
placed around the church by the militia and rangers. 



132 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Col. Alden immediately took possession of his little 
fortress. This was an eastern regiment, and few of 
the officers or soldiers were conversant with the In- 
dian mode of fighting. Col. Gansevoort solicited this 
post when Col. Alden was ordered here ; at the 
head of the brave regiment he commanded at Fort 
Schuyler, he would doubtless have given the enemy 
a different reception on the 11th of November follow- 
ing- 
It was jn July of this year, that Col. John Butler and 

Brant, at the head of 800 Indians and rangers, made 
an incursion into the beautiful valley of Wyoming, and 
ravaged and laid waste its flourishing settlements. A 
great number of the inhabitants were killed, and the 
most wanton acts of barbarity were committed.* The 
destruction of Wyoming produced a thrill through all 
the States, and especially along the frontiers similarly 
exposed. Butler returned to Niagara, and Brant to 
his stations about Unndilla and Oquago. Brant con- 
tinued about the branches of the Susquehanna until 
fall. Early in October, Mr. Dean, the Indian inter- 
preter and agent, wrote Major Robert Cochrane com- 
manding at Fort Schuyler, the following letter : 

'^ As the Seneca chief, called the Great Tree^ who 
was all the summer past with General Washington, 
returned through Oneida, he gave our friends there 
the most solemn assurances, that upon his arrival in 
his country he would exert his utmost influence to 
dispose his tribe to peace and friendship with the 
United States, and that should his attempts prove un- 

* See Appendix — N'ote H. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. I33 

successful he would immediately leave his nation and 
join the Oneidas with his friends and adherents. A 
long time having- elapsed without heftiing from the 
Great Tree, the Oneidas, a few days since, despatched a 
runner to him, desiring an account of his success. The 
express returned yesterday with the following intelli- 
gence, which the sacliems immediately forwarded to 
me hy three of their warriors, namely : that upon his 
arrival in the Seneca country he found that whole 
people in arms, and the two villages, Kanadaseago and 
Jennessee, where he was, croweded with their warri- 
ors, who were all collected from the remote settle- 
ments. That upon the Great Tree's lirst arrival, 
appearances seemed to promise him success, but that 
a rumor being' circulated that the Americans were 
about to invade them, they had all flown to arms. 
The Great Tree was there, and determined to chastise 
the enemy that dared presume to think of penetrating 
their country. 

" That they are to be joined by all the Indians as 
far as the Onondagas, a small party of which tribe 
has gone to meet them, and likewise by those of the 
several settlements upon the branches of the Susque- 
hanna. That the Senecas were to march the 8th, 
and the others the 9th instant. That the whole party 
were to rendezvous at Kanakals, a place situated on 
that branch of the Susquehanna called Tioga branch, 
and from thence were to proceed against the frontiers 
of Pennsylvania or the Jerseys ; our Oneida friends 
rely on the authenticity of the above intelligence, and 
beg that it may not. be neglected." 

On the 6th of November the following letter was 
sent from Fort Schuyler to Col. Alden ; 



131 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

'' Sir, 

" We were just now informed by an Oneida Indian, 
that yesterday an Onondaga Indian arrived at their 
castle, from one of the branches of the Susquehanna, 
called the Tioga. That he was present at a great 
meeting of Indians and Tories at that place, and their 
result was, to attack Cherry Valley, and that young 
Butler was to head the Tories. I send you this in- 
formation that you may be on your guard.'' 

To this letter Col. Alden returned the following 
answer : 

''Cherry Valley, JYov. 8th, 1778. 
'' Sir, 
'' Received yours of the 6th inst. by express, inform- 
ing me of the intelligence you obtained by one of the 
Oneida Indians of a large body of the enemy who 
were collected on the Susquehanna, and were des- 
tined to attack this place. I am much obliged to you 
for your information, and am, 

Sir, your very humble serv't, 

IcHABOD Alden. 
^' P. S. Gen. Hand is now here; arrived at this 
place the day before yesterday ; will return soon to 
Albany," 

Cnpt. Walter Butler, son of Col. John Butler, who 
went to Canada in 1775 with Guy Johnson, returned 
early in this summer to Tryon County, where he was 
taken prisoner and confined in Albany gaol. Being 
sick, or pretending to be so, he was removed to a private 
house in the city, and a sentinel was placed over him. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 135 

In conjunction with tlie family, who were secretly 
disaffected, he succeeded in intoxicating the sentinel. 
A horse was provided for him, and he escaped and 
went to Niag-ara and joined his fa(her. He here 
jirocured from him the command of a part of his 
regiment, called " Butler Rangers," together with 
permission to employ the forces under Brant. Al- 
though it was late in the season, he determined to 
make an incursion into the county, to avenge the 
wrongs which he supposed himself to have suffered by 
his imprisonment.^ On his way he met Brant, who 
was returning to winter quarters at Niagara. Brant 
was displeased in being thus placed under Walter But- 
ler, but was finally prevailed on to return with him. 
Their united forces were five hundred Indians and 
two hundred Rangers. 

The inhabitants, many of whom had left in the 
summer, in consequence of the repeated attacks of the 
Indians upon the frontiers, had now returned to their 
homes, thinking the season so far advanced that no 
danger need be apprehended. On the information 
above being given to Col. Alden, they requested per- 
mission to remove into the fort, or at least to deposit 
their most valuable property there. Both requests 
were denied by Col. Alden, He replied, that it would 
be a temptation to his soldiers to plunder; that the 
report was probably unfounded ; that it was only an 
Indian story, and that he would keep out scouts, who 
would apprise them in season to secure themselves in 
case of real danger. Scouts were accordingly sent 

* It was through his agency, doubtless, that the Senecas were roused 
up, as detailed in the letter of Mr. Dean. 



136 BORDEPv, WARFARE OF NEW \URK; OR, 

out to traverse the country in every diection. The 
scout sent down the Susquehanna kindled up a fire 
on the night of the 9th, and all very foolishly lay 
down to sleep. The fire was discovered hy the ene- 
my, and a little before daylight on the morning of the 
10th ti ey V ere all surrounded and taken. 

On the night of the 10th the enemy encamped on. 
the top of a hill thickly covered with evergreens, about 
a mile southwest from the fort. On the morning of" 
the 11th the enemy moved from his encampment 
toward the fort. They had learned from the scout 
which they had taken, that the officers of the garrison 
lodged in different private houses out of the fort; their 
forces were so disposed that a party should surround 
every house in which an officer lodged nearly at the 
same time, while the main body would attack the fort. 
During the night the snow fell several inches. In 
the morning it turned to rain, and the atmosphere was 
thick and hazy. The whole settlement thought them- 
selves secure. The assurances of Col. Alden had in 
a considerable degree quieted their fears. Everything 
favored the approach of the enemy undiscovered. 
Col. Alden and Lieut. Col. Stacia, with a small 
guard, lodged at Mr. Wells's. A Mr. Hamble was 
coming up that morning from his house, several miles 
below, on horseback ; when a short distance from 
Mr. Wells's house he was fired upon and wounded by 
the Indians. He rode in great haste to inform Col. 
Alden of their approach, and then hastened to the 
fort. Still incredulous, and believing them to be only 
a straggling party, he ordered the guard to be called 
in. The delay of a few minutes gave the Indians 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. isl 

time to arrive. The Rangers had stopped to examine 
their firelocks, the powder in which had been wet 
with tfie rain. The Indians, improving this opportu- 
nity, rushed by. Tlie advance body was composed 
principally of Senecas, at that time the wildest and 
most ferocious of the Six Nations. Col. Alden made 
his escape from the house, and was pursued down the 
hill toward the fort by an Indian ; when challenged 
to surrender, he peremptorily refused so to do ; sev- 
eral times he turned round and snapped his pistol at 
the Indian ; the latter, after pursuing some distance, 
threw his tomahawk and struck him on the head, and 
then rushing up, scalped him. He thus " was one of 
the first victims of this most criminal neglect of duty." 
Lieut. Col. Stacia was taken prisoner. The guard 
were all killed or taken. 

The Senecas, who first arrived at the house, with 
some Tories, commenced an indiscriminate massacre 
of the family, and before the Rangers arrived had bar- 
barously murdered them all, including Robert Wells, 
his mother and wife, and four children, his brother 
and sister, John and Jane, with three domestics. Of 
this interesting and excellent family not one escaped, 
except the late John Wells of New York city. His 
father had left him in Schenectady the previous sum- 
mer with an aunt, that he might attend the grammar 
school there. He might almost have exclaimed with 
Logan, that not a drop of his blood ran in the veins of 
any human being ; or, as it has been beautifully ex- 
pressed by an eminent English poet — 



J3S BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

They ''left of all my tribe 
Norman, nor child, nor thing of living birth. 
No ! not the dog, that watched my household hearth. 
Escaped— that ' morn' of blood upon our plains 
All perished ! I alone am left on earth ! 
To whom nor relative nor blood remains, 
No t not a kindred drop that runs in human veins." 

A Tory boasted that he killed Mr. Wells while at 
prayer. The melancholy fate of Jane Wells deserves 
a more particular notice. She was a young lady, not 
disLinguished for her personal beauty, but endeared to 
her friends by her amiable disposition, and her Chris- 
tian charities ; one " in whom the friendless found a 
friend," and to whom the poor would always say, 
^' God speed thee." She fled from the house to a pile 
of wood near by, behind which she endeavored to 
screen herself. Here she was pursued by an Indian, 
who, as he approached, deliberately wiped his bloody 
knife upon his leggins, and then placed it in its sheath ; 
then drawing his tomahawk, he seized her by the 
arm; she possessed some knowledge of the Indian 
language, and remonstrated, and supplicated, though 
in vain. Peter Smith, a Tory, who had formerly been 
a domestic in Mr. Wells's family, now interposed, say- 
ing she was his sister, and desiring him to spare 
her life. He shook his tomahawk at him in defiance^ 
and then, turning round, with one blow smote her to 
the earth. John Wells, Esq., at this time deceased, 
and the father of Robert Wells, had been one of the 
judges of the courts of Tryon County; in that capacity, 
and as one of the justices of the quorum, he had been 
on intimate terms with Sir William Johnson and 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. , 139 

family, who frequently visited at his house, and also 
with Col. John Butler, likewise a judge. The family 
were not active either for or against the country ; they 
wished to remain neutral, so far as they could, in such 
turbulent times ; they always performed military duty, 
when called out to defend the country. Col. John 
Butler, in a conversation relative to them, remarked : 
'' I would have gone miles on my hands and knees to 
have saved that family, and why my son did not do it 
God only knows." 

Another party of Indians surrounded the house of 
the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, whom we have frequently 
had occasion to mention as the pioneer in education 
in western New York. His wife was immediately 
killed. The old gentleman and his daughter were 
preserved by Little Aaron, a chief of the Oquago 
branch of the Mohawks. Mrs. Wells was also a 
daughter of Mr. Dunlop ; Little Aaron led him out 
from the house, tottering with age, and stood beside 
him to protect him. An Indian passing by pulled his 
hat from his head, and ran away with it; the chief 
pursued him, and regained it; on his return, another 
Indian had carried away his wig ; the rain was falling 
upon his bare head, while his whole system shook 
like an aspen, under the combined influence of age, 
fear, and cold. He was released a few days after ; 
but the shock was too violent ; he died about a year 
after : his death was hastened by his misfortunes, 
though he could have borne up but a few years longer 
under the increasing infirmities of old age. 

A Mr. Mitchell, who was in his field, beheld a party 
of Indians approaching; he could not gain his house, 



140 BORDER WARFARIN OF NEW YORK; OR, 

and was obliged to flee to the woods. Here he evad- 
ed pursuit and escaped. A melancholy spectacle pre- 
sented itself on his return ; it was the corpses of his 
wife and four children. His house had been plundered 
and set on lire. He extinguished the fire, and by 
examination found life still existing in one of his 
children, a little girl ten or twelve years of age. He 
raised her up and placed her in the door, and was 
bending over her when he saw another party ap- 
proaching. He had barely time to hide himself 
behind a log fence near by, before they were at the 
house. FronUhis hiding-place he beheld an infamous 
Tory, by the name of Newbury, extinguish the little 
spark of life which remained in his child, with a single 
blow of his hatchet. The next day, without a sing e 
human being to assist him, he carried the remains of 
his family down to the fort on a sled, and there the 
soldiers aided him in depositing them in a common 
grave. Retributive justice sometimes follows close 
upon the heels of crime. This Tory was arrested as 
a spy, the following summer, by order of Gen. James 
Clinton, when he lay with his army at Canajoharie, 
on the Mohawk River. Mr. Mitchell was called to 
prove this act. He was found guilty by a court mar- 
tial, and with a companion suffered an ignominious 
death.* 

* Extract from a letter from Gen. James to Mrs. Clinton, dated July 
6th, 1*779. 
" I have nothing further to acquaint you of, except that we appre- 
hended a certain Lieut. Henrj Hare, and a Sergt. ITewbury, both of 
Col. Butler's regiment, who confessed that they left the Seneca coun- 
try with sixty -three Indians and two white men, which divided 



ANNALS (3F TRYON COUNTY. 141 

The party which surrounded the house of Col. 
Campbell, took Mrs. Campbell and four children 
prisoners. Mr. Campbell was absent from home, but 
hastened there on the first alarm, which was a cannon 
fired at the fort. He arrived only in time to witness 
the destruction of his property, and not even to learn 
the fate of his family; their lives were spared, but 
spared for a long and dreadful captivity. 

Many others were killed ; some few escaped to the 
Mohawk River, and the remainder were made prison- 
ers. Thirty-two of the inhabitants, principally women 
and children, were killed, and sixteen continental 
soldiers. The terror of the scene was increased by 
the conflagration of all the houses and out-houses in 
the settlement; the barns were many of them filled 
with hay and grain. He who fled to the mountains, 
saw as he looked back the destruction of his home, 
and of that little all which he had labored for years 
to accumulate. 

When the enemy approached on the morning of 
the 11th, Mrs. Clyde, the wife of Col. Clyde,collecting 
together her children, fled into the woods. During 

themselves in three parties ; one party was to attack Schoharie, another 
party Cherry Valley and the Mohawk River, and the other party to 
skulk about Fort Schuyler and the upper part of the Mohawk River, 
to take prisoners or scalps. I had them tried by a general court-mar- 
tial for spies, who sentenced them both to be hanged, which was done 
accordingly at Canajoharie, to the satisfaction of all th« inhabitants 
of that place that were friends to their coimtry, as they were known 
to be very active in almost all the murders that were committed on 
these frontiers. They were mhabitauts of Tryon County, had each 
a wife and several children, who came to see them and beg their 
lives." 



142 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW VORK ; OR, 

that day and the following night, she lay with her chil- 
dren, one of whom was an infant, gathered around her, 
and concealed under a large log. As we have before 
mentioned, it was a cold, rainy day, and the storm 
continued through the night. She could hear the yells 
of the savages as they triumphed in their work of 
death; several of them passed near where she lay, 
and one so near, that the butt of his gun trailed upon 
the log which covered her. At the intercession of 
her husband, who was in the fort, a party sallied out 
the following morning, and, at the risk of their lives, 
brought her and her children into the fort; they were 
drenched with the rain, and stiffened with the cold ; 
but they all survived. Mrs. Clyde, at the time of her 
flight, had missed her eldest daughter, about ten years 
of age, and supposed she had gained the fort ; when 
she arrived at the fort on the .morning of the 12th, 
this daughter appeared in the neighboring field. 
When she saw the sentinels, who had wrapped them- 
selves in blankets, she supposed them to be the In- 
dians, and again fled to the woods ; she was followed 
and brought back to the anxious mother. When 
fleeing from the house she had separated from the 
rest of the family, and had lain concealed alone, until 
her appearance in the field. The sufferings of such a 
child in such a night, thinly clad, alone in the woods, 
must have been of the most excruciating nature. 

Some generous acts were performed by Brant, 
which, in justice to him, ought to be mentioned. 
On the day of the massacre, he inquired of some of 
the prisoners where his friend, Capt. M'Kean, was. 
They informed him that he had probably gone to the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 143 

Mohawk River with his family. *^ He sent me a 
challenge once," said Brant; "I have now come to 
accept it. He is a fine soldier thus to retreat." 
They answered, " Capt. M'Kean would not turn his 
back uporj an enemy, when there was any probability 
of success." ''I know it; he is a brave man, and I 
would have given more to have taken him than any 
other man in Cherry Valley, but I would not have 
hurt a hair of his head." 

In a house which he entered, he found a woman 
engaged in her usual business. '^ Are you thus en- 
gaged, while all your neighbors are murdered around 
you?" said Brant. " We are king's people," she re- 
plied. *' That plea will not avail you to-day. They 
have murdered Mr. Wells's family, who were as dear 
to me as my own." " There is one Joseph Brant ; if 
he is with the Indians he will save us." ^' I am 
Joseph Brant; but I have not the command, and I 
know not that I can save you ; but I will do what is 
in my power." While speaking, several Senecas 
were observed approaching the house. " Get into 
bed and feign yourself sick," said Brant, hastily. 
W^hen the Senecas came in, he told them there were 
no persons there, but a sick woman and her children, 
and besought them to leave the house ; which, after 
a short conversation, they accordingly did. As soon 
as they were out of sight, Brant went to the end of 
the house, and gave a long shrill yell ; soon after, a 
small band of Mohawks were seen crossing the ad- 
joining field with great speed. As they came up, he 
addressed them — '' Where is your paint 7 here, put 
my mark upon this woman and her children." As 



144 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

soon as it was done, he added, '^ You are now proba- 
bly safe." It may be observed liere, that this was a 
general custom ; each tribe had its mark, by which 
they and their prisoners were designated ; most of the 
other prisoners were thus marked. It was an evi- 
dence that they were taken, or claimed by some par- 
ticular tribe, or individual ; and woe to that person 
upon whom no captor had put his mark ! 

Brant, jealous of his character, always said, that in 
the councils he had urged the Indians to be humane, 
and not to injure the women and children. Where 
he had the exclusive command, this was in some de- 
gree effected. Col. Butler alleged, that Brant secretly 
incited the Indians in this massacre, in order to stig- 
matize his son, who had superseded him in command. 
Others said that he was humane, in order to contrast 
his own conduct with that of Walter Butler. Brant 
stoutly denied both charges, and appealed to his con- 
duct in Springfield and other places. 

Whatever may have been the motives and conduct 
of Brant, it will not wipe away the stain frpm the 
character of Walter Butler. The night previous to the 
massacre, some of his Rangers, who were acquainted 
in Cherry Valley, requested permission to go secretly 
into the settlement, and apprise his and their friends 
of their approach, that they might escape the fury of 
the Indians. This he peremptorily refused, saying, 
that there were so many families connected, that the 
one would inform the others, and all would escape. 
He thus sacrificed his friends, for the sake of punish- 
ing his enemies. 

Several attacks were made during the day upon 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 145 

the fort, but without success. The Indians were poor 
troops when a fortress was to be taken ; besides, the 
enemy had no artillery. They rushed up and fought 
with considerable courage, but were driven back 
without much loss on either side. Col. Alden's regi- 
ment numbered between two and three hundred men 
— a number not great enough to make a successful 
sortie against the enemy, with a force more than 
double their own. 

The principal part of the enemy, with the prison- 
ers, between thirty and forty, including several of the 
officers of the garrison, encamped the first night in 
the valley about two miles south of the fort. To the 
prisoners it was a night of wretchedness, never to be 
forgotten. A large fire was kindled, around which 
they were collected, with no shelter, not even in 
most cases an outer garment, to protect them from 
the storm. There might be seen the old and infirm, 
and the middle-aged of both sexes, and *' shivering 
childhood, houseless but for a mother's arms, couch- 
less but for a mother's breast." Around them at a 
short distance on every side, gleamed the watch-fires 
of the savages, who were engaged in examining and 
distributing their plunder, and whose countenances 
wore a still more fiend-like aspect, as seen indistinctly, 
through a hazy November atmosphere. Close by 
their eneampment, if such it might be called, the 
land rose abruptly into a high hill, thickly studded 
with dark frowning hemlocks. A lurid glare of light 
from the watch-fires below played upon their tops, 
contrasting strongly their dark foliage with the naked 

branches of the other forest trees, and rendering still 

7* 



14G BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ^ OR, 

more appalling the whoop of some straggling Indian, 
as it broke the silence of the thicket beneath. Along 
up the valley they caught occasional glimpses of the 
ruins of their dwellings, as some sudden gust of wind, 
or falling timber, awoke into new life the decaying 
flame. An uncertain fate awaited thenl. If they 
augured from the scenes which they had that day 
witnessed, it was death. Their minds were filled 
with fearful forebodings — a secret fear which one 
dare not whisper to his fellow, that they might be 
reserved as the victims for a more deliberate and 
dreadful torture. 

The morning broke upon a sleepless group ; they 
did not, they could not close their eyes in sleep ; they 
were early divided into small companies, and placed 
under different parties of the enemy, and in this man- 
ner commenced their journey down the Cherry Val- 
ley Creek. 

On the morning of the second day the prisoners 
were called together, and it was decided to send back 
the women and children, a decision which kindled up 
hope and life anew in their bosoms. This was ac- 
cordingly done ; but Mrs. Campbell and her four 
children, and Mrs. Moore and her children, whose 
husbands had been active partisans, were retained. 
It was at the same time told to them, that they must 
accompany their captors to the land of the Senecas. 

The first day of their journey, Mrs. Cannon, the 
mother of Mrs. Campbell, being unable to travel, 
on account of her age, was killed by her side, and 
the same Indian drove her along with his uplifted 
and bloody hatchet, threatening her with the same 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 147 

fdte if she should be unable to proceed on the jour- 
ney with the speed which he required. She carried 
in her arms a child aged eighteen months. The 
following day she was placed under the care of an 
Indian advanced in life, and who, during the remain- 
der of the journey, was very humane. 

They passed down the Susquehanna to its junction 
with the Tioga, thence up the Tioga to near its 
source, and thence across to the head of Seneca Lake, 
and along down the eastern border of the lake to the 
Indian castle and village of Kanadaseago, a few miles 
from the present flourishing and beautiful village of 
Geneva. The whole distance was betv/een two and 
three hundred miles. Here they arrived about the 
last of November. Here all their children were taken 
from them, not even excepting the infant, and given 
to different families and tribes of Indians. We shall 
have occasion to continue somewhat of their history 
in a future chapter. 

The day following the massacre — that is, the 12th — 
a party of Indians returned, and prowled about for a 
short time. That day, two hundred militia arrived 
from the Mohawk River, and the straggling parties of 
Indians dispersed. The mangled remains of those 
who had been killed were brought in, and received 
as decent an interment as circumstances would per- 
mit. The most wanton acts of cruelty had been 
committed, but the detail is too horrible, and I will not 
pursue it further. The whole settlement exhibited an 
aspect of entire and complete desolation. The cocks 
crew from the tops of the forest trees, and the dogs 
howled tiiroue;-h the fields and woods. The inhabit- 



148 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

ants who escaped, with the prisoners who were set at 
liberty, abandoned the settlement. The garrison was 
kept until the following summer, when the fort was 
also abandoned, and the regiment joined the troops of 
Gen. James Clinton,* when on their way to join the 
army of Gen. Sullivan. 

* Gen. James Clinton was the father of De Witt Clinton, and the 
reader will find a sketch of his life, with a brief outline of the 
Clinton family, in Appendix, being a lecture read by the author before 
the New York Historical Society, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 149 



CHAPTER VI. 



" But go and ronse your warriors." 



The atrocities of which the Indians were guilty at 
Wyoming, and along the frontiers of New York, 
drew the attention of the Congress and commander- 
in-chief to the situation of that section of country. 
Major Gen. Sullivan was ordered to march into the 
Indian territory, to lay waste their settlements and de- 
stroy their grain; thus visiting upon them some of the 
inconveniences and hardships attendant upon their 
mode of warfare. The western and southern parts of 
New York were the places of his destination. 

On the first of May, 1779, the 2d and 4th New York 
regiments left their camp near the Hudson, and, pass- 
ing through Warwarsing, arrived upon the Delaware 
the 9th. They crossed the Delaware, and passed 
down the west side to Easton, at which place their 
stores were collected. From thence they marched 
toward Wyoming, where they arrived the 17th of 
June. The delay was occasioned by the great labor 
required to open a road through woods and over an 
almost impassable swamp, extending many miles. 
Gen. Sullivan arrived with the main army on the 24th. 
On the 31st of July, the army left Wyoming for the 



150 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Indian settlements. The stores and artillery were 
conveyed up the Susquehanna in 150 boats. " The 
boats formed a beautiful appearance as they moved in 
order from their moorings, and as they passed the fort 
received a grand salutOjWhich was returned bythe loud 
cheers of the boatmen. The whole scene formed a 
military display surpassing any which had ever been 
exhibited at Wyoming, and was well calculated to 
form a powerful impression upon the minds of those 
lurking parties of savages, which still continued to 
range upon the mountains, from which all their move- 
ments were visible for many miles." On the 11th 
they arrived at Tioga, and encamped in the forks of 
the river. On the 12th a detachment was sent forward 
to Chemung, twelve miles distant, where they were 
attacked by a body of Indians, and lost seven men 
killed and wounded. The next day, having burned 
the town, they returned to Tioga. About a mile and a 
quarter above the junction of the Tioga and Susque- 
hanna, these rivers approach each other to within a 
stone's throw. Here a fort was built, called Fort 
Sullivan, while the army lay on what might almost 
be called the island below. 

In this situation. Gen. Sullivan awaited the arrival 
of Gen. James Clinton. This officer, with the 1st 
and 3d New York regiments, passed up the Mohawk 
to Canajoharie, where he arrived early in the Spring. 
An expedition was sent out from here by Gen. Clin- 
ton against the Onondaga Indians. The detachment 
consisted of six companies of New York troops, one 
of Pennsylvania, one of Massachusetts, and one of 
rifles, amounting in the whole to five hundred and 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. jgi 

four, rank and file. Col. Van Schaick of the 1st 
regiment of the New York line had the command, 
and was accompanied by Lieut. Col. Willet and Ma- 
jor Cochran, of the 3d regiment. They rendezvoused 
at Fort Schuyler, and from thence began their march. 
The whole settlement of the Onondagas, consisting of 
about fifty houses, and a large quantity of grain, were 
destroyed. They took 37 prisoners, and killed between 
20 and 30 warriors. About one hundred muskets 
were taken. On their return, they met a small party 
of Indians, who fired on them, but were soon driven 
back by the corps of riflemen under Lieut. Evans. 
They returned to Fort Schuyler in five days and a half 
from the time of their march from thence; the whole 
distance going and returning was one hundred and 
eighty miles. 

Gen. Clinton commenced opening a road from Ca- 
najoharie to the head of Otsego Lake, distant about 
20 miles, and one of the principal sources of the 
eastern branch of the Susquehanna. This was effected 
with great labor ; iiis boats were carried across on 
wagons. It was midsummer before General Clinton 
found himself, with his army and baggage, at the 
head of the lake, upon which he had launched his 
boats. This is a beautiful little lake, about nine miles 
long, and varies in breadth from one to three miles. 
Its elevation is 1193 feet, and it is ahiiost surrounded 
by high land. The water is deep and clear, which is 
said to be the meaning of its Indian name. The 
scenery from many points is very picturesque and wild: 

" Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 
Could on the dark blue mirror trace," 



152 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

And it has not been unaptly compared to the roman- 
tic lakes for which Scotland is so much celebrated. 
At this time, save in one or two places, no mark of 
cif ilization was visible ; and though 

" Each boatman, bending to his oar, 
With measured sweep the burthen bore," 

they could not but gaze at times with delight upon 
the natural beauties which surrounded them. 

The outlet of this lake is narrow. Gen. Clinton, 
having passed his boats through, caused a dam to be 
thrown across. The lake was raised several feet. A 
party was sent forward to clear the river of drift-wood. 
When ready to move, the dam was broken up, and 
the boats glided swiftly down with the current.* 

The few scattered inhabitants along the river below 
fled, not being able to account for the rapid rise of the 
river. At Tioga the water flowed back, up the west- 
ern branch. 

On the 22d day of August this division arrived at 
Tioga, and joined the main army. The whole force 
now under Gen. Sullivan consisted of Generals Hand, 
Clinton, Maxwell, and Poor's brigades of infantry, 
Proctor's artillery, and a corps of riflemen ; in all be- 
tween four and five thousand men. 

* The -word " Otsego" is said by some to be formed from the Indian 
term of salutation, " Sago ;" and a large rock is shown at the south 
end of this lake, near which, it is said, in early times, the Indians met 
in council, and when that term was frequently used. By others, it is 
said to mean " clear, deep water ;" which is at least a very appropriate 
meaning. At the south end of this lake is situated the beautiful and 
flourishing village of Cooperstown, over whose early history so much 
interest has been thrown by Mr. Cooper, in his tale of the Pioneers. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 153 

On the 26th, this army, formidable indeed, if the 
numbers of the enemy be considered, moved from Ti- 
oga, up the river of that name, in excellent order. 
Their progress was necessarily slow, and every pre- 
caution was taken to guard against surprise. Large 
flanking parties were kept out on each side, and a 
corps of light troops was thrown forward. 

On the 28th they destroyed the settlements and 
grain at Chemung, twelve miles distant from Tioga, 
and on the morning of the 29th, about 10 o'clock, fell 
in with the enemy near Newtown, and a short dis- 
tance from the mouth of Butler's Creek. They were 
under the Butlers and Brant, and were in number 
about six hundred Indians and two hundred Tories. 
After some reconnoitering and skirmishing, the enemy 
retreated behind their breastwork, and made a spirited 
resistance. They were soon driven from their posi- 
tion by the artillery. In the mean time Generals 
Clinton and Poor's brigades filed off to the right, and 
Gen. Hand's light troops to the left, to gain the ene- 
my's rear, where the land was high. Had this been 
effected, the enemy could not have escaped ; but the 
movement is said to have been discovered by Brant, 
who ordered an immediate retreat. Nine Indians 
were left dead upon the field ; their wounded they 
carried off. The Americans lost in killed three; 
thirty-four were wounded, among whom were Major 
Titcomb, Capt. Clayes, and Lieut. M^Coiley, the lat- 
ter of whojn died of his wounds. Two prisoners were 
taken, who gave information as to the force of the 
enemy. 

This was the only stand made by the Indians. 



154 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

When it was first announced that an army was march- 
ing into their country, the Indians laughed at their 
supposed folly, believing it impossible for a regular 
army to traverse the wilderness such a distance, and 
to drive them from their fastnesses. 

The following is extracted fi^om the manuscript Journal 
of an officer, 

'^ Aug. 29tli. This night encamped on the field of 
action. 

30th. Remained on the ground ; large detach- 
ments sent off this morning to destroy the corn, beans, 
&c. about this place, which was not half destroyed. 
This evening sent off our wounded, heavy artillery, 
and wagons in boats down the river to Tioga ; these 
boats brought forward such stores as could not be 
loaded on pack-horses. This da}^ put on half allow- 
ance. 

31st. Decamped at 8 o'clock ; marched over moun- 
tainous ground until we arrived at the forks of New- 
town ; there entered on a low bottom ; crossed the 
Cayuga branch, and encamped on a pine plain — much 
good land about Newtow^n. Here we left the Tioga 
branch to our left. 

Sept. 1st. Decamped early in tlie morning; after 
marching about three miles, entered a swamp eight or 
nine miles across ; roads very bad, and no pasture 
here. The army made a forced march, and arrived 
that niglit at dark in Catherine's Town. The cattle 
and most part of the pack-horses, together with our 
brigade (Clinton's) lay that night in the swamp, with- 
out pack or baggage. From this town the enemy 
seemed to have made a very precipitate retreat. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. I55 

2d. About 3 o'clock came up with the army at 
the town, and encamped. 

3d. Destroyed it, together with the corn, beans, 
&c., and decamped at 8 o'clock in the morning ; af- 
ter marching three miles, fell in on the east side of the 
Seneca Lake. This lake runs north and south, about 
thirty-six miles in length, and between two and three 
miles across. At 2 o'clock passed Apple-tree Town, 
situated on the banks of the lake. This day marched 
eleven miles over high, though level ground, timbered 
chiefly with white oak, and encamped in the woods. 

4th. Marched twelve miles from last encampment; 
passed several narrow defiles, and encamped in the 
woods beside the lake. This daj^ and yesterday passed 
several corn-fields and scattering houses, which we 
destroyed as we passed along. The Cayuga Lake 
runs the same direction with this lake, and is about 
ten or twelve miles "distant — land tolerably good. 

5ih. Decamped in the morning, and about 12 
o'clock arrived at Kandaia, a fine town, lying about 
half a mile from the lake ; here we found a great 
plenty of apple-trees ; it evidently appears to be an 
old inhabited town ; their houses are large and ele- 
gant ; some beutifully painted ; their tombs likewise, 
especially of their chief warriors, are beautifully 
painted boxes, which they build over the grave, of 
planks hewn out of timber. 

6th. Decamped at noon, and marched about three 
miles, when we encamped on the edge of the lake. 
Land timbered with white and black oak, and very 
good, the ground naturally descending with an easy 
descent towards the lake. 



156 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

7th. This day passed the north end or outlet of the 
lake, which is very narrow, and marched through a 
narrow defile about one mile in length ; the lake on 
our left, and a morass through which no one could 
pass on our right. Arrived at sundown at the north- 
west corner of the lake, where we destroyed a town 
and some corn, and proceeded on to Kanadaseago, the 
capital of the Senecas, where we arrived at 8 o'clock 
at night. This town lies on a level spot of ground, 
about one mile and a half north from the lake, and 
consisted of about sixty houses, and great plenty of 
apple and peach trees. The enemy, in their retreat 
from this place, left a white child, about four years 
old, and some horses and cows, &c. 

8th. Tlie army employed this day in destroying 
the corn, beans, &c. at this place, of which there was 
a great quantity. The riflemen were detached this 
morning to destroy Kashanguash, about eight miles 
south. This morning a captain and 50 men detached 
to the garrison at Tioga with all the sick and lame, 
and such others as could not proceed with us to 
Chennessee. 

9th. Marched nine miles. 

10th. Decamped early in the morning, and about 
2 o'clock fell in with a small lake on our left, at the 
outlet of which lies the town of Kanandagua, consisting 
of upwards of twenty houses, which we set fire to and 
decamped. This town, from the appearance of the 
buildings, seems to have been inhabited by white peo- 
ple ; some houses have very neat chimneys, which the 
Indians have not, but build a fire in the centre, around 
which they gather. 



A.NNALS OF TRYON COUiNTY. I57 

11th. Decamped this morning earlier than usual, 
to reach the next settlement, Hanneyaye, where we 
arrived in season and encamped. The country from 
Kanadaseago, excepting this day, is exceedingly level, 
and soil very good. This day crossed several moun- 
tains, between which lie fine rich valleys. This town 
lies at the head of a small lake, in a fine rich valley, con- 
sisting of 13 or 14 good houses, and neatly built. Here 
we likewise found a great quantity of corn, beans, &c. 

12th. Decamped this morning at 11 o'clock ; 
detained by a heavy rain ; marched over a rough 
country ; passed another small lake, called Konyou- 
ghejough, and arrived within two miles of Adjuton, 
and encamped in the woods. The sick, lame, and 
some stores were left with a detachment under the 
command of Capt. Cummings, who took post in one 
of the blockhouses. 

13th. Decamped this morning at 5 o'clock ; marched 
to the town, where we v/ere employed in destroying 
the corn, &c. until noon ; from this place Lieutenant 
Boyd, of the rifle corps, was detached with fifteen 
or twenty men to reconnoitre the next town, seven 
miles distant. Killed and scalped two Indians in the 
town. On his return, found his retreat cut off, and 
surrounded by five t)r six hundred savages ; defended 
himself until his men were all cut off but himself and 
one more, when he surrendered ; whom we afterward 
found in Chennessee castle, tortured in a most cruel 
manner." He was the first prisoner taken by the en- 
emy, although they had used all their arts to obtain 
one, in order to learn the number and destination of 
the army. One of the party under Lieut. Boyd was 



158 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Hanyerr}^ an Oneida Indian, who iiad distinguished 
himself in the Oriskany battle ; he exhibited great 
courage, and being an excellent marksman, did great 
execution. His conduct had aot passed unnoticed by 
the hostile Indians, and now, when in their power, 
he was literally hewn to pieces by them. Lieutenant 
Boyd was taken before Col. Butler, and being ex- 
amined, w^as, according to Col. Butler's statement, 
sent forward with a guard to Niagara, when, passing 
through Genesee village, an old Indian rushed out 
and tomahawked him. 

'' The same day, 13th, encamped that night at 
Gathtsegwarohare, where we found the enemy para- 
ded before the town, and seemed determined to fight 
us. Clinton's brigade filed off to the right to gain 
the enemy's rear, which could not be effected; but 
they retreated in a very precipitate manner. 

14th. This morning the whole army paraded at 
gun-firing, which was half-past three in the morning; 
lay on our arms until sunrise, expecting an attack 
from the enemy. At 6 o'clock detached large par- 
ties to destroy the corn about this place. At 10 the 
army passed a branch of the Chennessee River, and 
entered on the Chennessee Flats." These flats ex- 
tended along the borders of the Genesee River, about 
twenty miles in length, and four in breadth, with a 
rich soil, producing grass near ten feet high. Scarcely 
a tree was to be seen over the whole extent. Mod- 
ern curiosity and enterprise had not then rendered 
familiar the mighty valleys and prairies of the West ; 
and ofinicers and soldiers gazed alike with surprise 
and admiration upon this garden of our State. The 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. I59 

army, as it emerged from the woods, and as company 
after company filed off and formed upon the phiin, 
presented a highly animating and imposing specta- 
cle. '' This river in a high freshet overflows most 
part of this extensive plain, as appears from several 
large trunks of trees scattered on the same. After 
fording the river, raised a considerable hill, timbered 
chiefly with white oak, and entered on another flat, 
on which stands the capital of the Chennessee, consist- 
ing of upwards of one hundred and twenty houses, 
and vast quantities of corn, beans, pumpkins, pota- 
toes, &c. Encamped this evening around the town. 

15th. This morning the whole army paraded at 6 
o'clock, to destroy the corn, &c. about this place, 
which could be done no other way but by gathering 
the corn in the houses, and setting fire to them. Here 
we likewise found a great quantity of corn gathered 
in houses by the savages. At 3 o'clock in the af- 
ternoon we completed the destruction of this place ; 
recrossed the Chennessee River, and encamped on the 
flats about half a mile north of Gathtsegwarohare. 
This morning a woman taken prisoner at Wyoming 
last year, came in to us at the Chennessee castle. 

16th. This morning, after destroying the corn, &c. 
on the southeast corner of the flats, recrossed the 
branch of the Chennessee River on logs ; this river is 
about one dozen paces wide, with very high banks, 
and the current hardly perceivable. At ten o'clock 
passed the last-mentioned town lying on the banks 
of this branch, and encamped this night at Adjuton. 

17th. Decamped early in the morning, and arrived 
in good season at Hanneyaye, where we encamped 
this night ; found our stores, &c. as we left them. 



160 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

I8th. Decamped, and left Hanneyaye with great 
difficulty ; the horses left at this post having strayed 
so far from the village, and could not be found ; con- 
sequently many packs would have been left on the 
ground, had not those officers entitled to ride dis- 
mounted, of whom Gen. Sullivan was one. This 
day met three Oneida Indians with dispatches for 
Gen. Sullivan. They informed us the city of New 
York was laid in ashes, and evacuated. Arrived at 
Kanandagua some time before night ; passed the out- 
let of the Lake, and encamped about one mile from 
the outlet. This town lies about a fourth of a mile 
from a small lake, I suppose of the same name. 

19th. Decamped this morning early, proceeded on 
our way to Kanadaseago, where we encamped a little 
before sunset. 

20th. Remained encamped until 2 o'clock, when 
we decamped and passed the outlet of the Seneca 
Lake, and encamped about one mile from the outlet. 
This morning detached Col. Butler, (Col. Zebulon 
Butler, of Wyoming,) with the rifle corps and five 
hundred men, to Cayuga Lake to destroy the settle- 
ments there. Col. Gansevoort detached at the same 
time with one hundred men to Fort Schuyler. 

21st. Decamped in the morning, passed Kandaia, 
and encamped about two miles above. This morning 
detached Lieut. Col. Dearborn, with two hundred 
men, to destroy the corn and settlements along the 
south side of Cayuga Lake. 

22d. Decamped early in the morning, passed seve- 
ral defiles, and encamped within Tseven miles of 
Catherine's Town. 

23d. Decamped and raarched about four miles 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 161 

southeast of Catherine's Town, at the edge of the 
swamp, and encamped. 

24th. Passed the swamp, so much dreaded for its 
badness, without any difficuhy, and arrived at the 
forks of Newtown, where Capt. Reid, with a detach- 
ment oi two hundred men, had thrown up a breast- 
work to guard some stores and cattle brought forward 
from Tioga for the army in case of necessity. Saluted 
by thirteen rounds of cannon from the breastwork on 
our arrival, which number we returned from our artil- 
lery. 

25th. This morning the small arms of the whole 
army were discharged ; at 5 o'clock the whole were 
drawn up in one line, with a field-piece on the right of 
each brigade, to fire a feu-de-joie ; first, thirteen rounds 
of cannon; second, a running fire of musketry from 
right to left, which was repeated twice ; five oxen 
were killed on this joyous occasion — one delivered to 
each brigade, and one to the artillery and staflf. 

This was done in consequence of Spain declaring 
war against Great Britain. 

26th. Remained encamped. Col. Dearborn's de- 
tachment arrived. 

27th. Encamped. 

28th. Col. Butler with his detachment arrived, hav- 
ing destroyed a vast quantity of corn, beans, apple- 
trees, &c. on the east side of the Cayuga Lake, and 
burnt three towns, among which was the capital of 
the Cayuga tribe. This day Colonels Cortland and 
Dayton detached with large detachments to destroy 
corn ; the former taking his route up the Tioga branch, 
to which place he was detached the day before, and 
8 



162 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

destroyed large fields of corn ; and the latter taking 
his route downwards, and destroyed such as the army 
left iindestroyed in going up. 

29th. Decamped this morning at 8 o'clock ; passed 
the Cayuga branch, and encamped at Old Chemung, 
three miles below New Chemung. This day forded 
the Tioga twice.. 

30th. Decamped this morning, 7 o'clock ; arrived 
at Fort Sullivan about 1 o'clock ; saluted from the fort 
by thirteen cannon, which number was returned from 
our artillery; after which we passed the fort and en- 
camped on our old ground in the forks of the river." 

On the 3d of October the fort was demolished, and 
the army returned by the way of Wyoming to Easton, 
where it arrived the 15th. The whole distance from 
Easton to the Genesee castle, by the route of the 
army, was two hundred and eighty mi'les. The loss 
of men sustained in this expedition, considering the 
fatigue and exposure, was very inconsiderable — not 
more than forty in the whole were killed or died from 
sickness. It is noted in the journal, that on the 20tli 
of September, Col. Gansevoort was detached with a 
party of one hundred men to Fort Schuyler. The fol- 
lowing were Gen. Sullivan's instructions to him : 
«' Sir, 

"You are to take command of a chosen party, 
draughted from the army, and proceed by the shortest 
route to the Mohawk castle, destroy it, and capture, 
if possible, all the Indians that may be there. The 
upper castle being inhabited by the Onheskas, you 
are to spare, and treat them as friends. Such neces- 
sary marks of civility and attention you will show 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. X63 

them as may engage a continuance of their friendship, 
and give evidence of our pacific disposition towards 
them. 

" Whatever prisoners may fall into your hands, you 
are to proceed with to Albany, and collect the bag- 
gage of the several regiments from which your party 
were draughted, and proceed with all possible expe- 
dition to head-quarters. You are by no means to 
leave any of the prisoners at Albany, unless particu- 
larly directed by Gen. Washington or Congress. 

'^ As your route will be through the Oneida country, 
you are to take particular care that your men do not 
offer the inhabitants the least insult ; and if by acci- 
dent any damage should be done, you are to make 
reparation, for which I shall stand accountable. From 
your zeal, activity, and prudence, I trust every pre- 
caution will be taken to execute these orders to the 
advantage and honor of the United States." 

The following is Col. Gansevoort's account of the 
manner in which be had executed his commission. 

*' Agreeable to my orders, I proceeded by the sliort- 
est route to the lower Mohawk castle, passing through 
the Tuscarora and Oneida castles, where every mark 
of hospitality and friendship was shown the party. 
I had the pleasure to find, that not the least damage 
nor insult was offered any of the inhabitants. 

'' On the 25th, I arrived at Fort Schuyler, wliere, 
refreshing my party, I proceeded down the river, and 
on the 29th eflfectually surprised the lower Mohawk 
castle, making prisoners of every Indian inhabitant. 
They then occupied but four houses. I was prepar- 
ing, agreeable to my orders, to destroy them, but was 



164 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

interrupted by the inhabitants of the frontiers, who 
have been lately driven from their settlements by the 
savages, praying that they might have liberty to enter 
into the Mohawks' houses, vi^hilst they could procure 
other habitations ; and well knowing those persons to 
have lately lost their all, humanity tempted me in this 
particular to act in some degree contrary to orders, 
although I could not but be confident of your appro- 
bation ; especially when you are informed that this 
castle is in the heart of our settlements, and abound- 
ing with every necessary ; so that it is remarked, that 
these Indians live much better than most of the Mo- 
hawk River farmers. Their houses were very well fur- 
nished with all necessary household utensils, great 
plenty of grain, several horses, cows, and wagons ; of 
all which I have an inventory, leaving them in the 
care of Major Newkirk, of that place, who distributed 
the refugees in the several houses. Such being the 
situation, I did not allow the party to plunder at all. 
The prisoners arrived at Albany, on the 2d inst., and 
were closely secured in the fort." 

These prisoners, it is believed, were set at liberty, 
and restored to their possessions, as would follow from 
the facts stated in the letter of Gen. Schuyler, Presi- 
dent of the Board of Commissioners for Indian affairs. 

^' Dear Sir, 
" Having perused Gen. Sullivan's orders to you 
respecting the Indians of the lower Mohawk castle 
and their property, I conceive they are founded on 
misinformation given to that gentleman ; these Indi- 
ans have peaceably remained there under the sane- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. / i65 

tion of the public faith repeatedly given them by 
the Commissioners of Indian affairs, on condition of 
peaceable demeanor ; this contract they have not vio- 
lated to our knowledge. It is therefore incumbent on 
us, as servants of the public, to keep the public faith 
inviolate ; and we therefore entreat you to postpone 
the sending the Indians from hence until the pleasure 
of his excellency Gen. Washington can be obtained, 
and a letter is already dispatched to him on the occa- 
sion, and in which we have mentioned this application 
to you." 

The country of the Onondagas, the Cayugas, and 
the Senecas, the three western tribes, was completely 
overrun and laid waste. To a person reading the 
foregoing journal, it may seem that too much severity 
was exercised in the burning of the Indian towns, and 
that corn, &c. was wantonly destroyed; but it must 
be borne in mind that this was not a bare retaliatory 
measure, though as such it might have been justified 
by the previous conduct of the Indians ; their towns 
were their retreats, and from thence they made incur- 
sions into the settlements ; driven back to Niagara, 
and rendered dependent upon the English for sup- 
plies of provisions, they would necessarily be much 
crippled in their future operations. Though, as we 
shall see, this campaign did not put a stop to the 
ravages of the Indians, yet they never recovered from 
the severe chastisement which they received. 

A part only of the Indians ever returned to their old 
settlements, from which they were driven ; some of 
them obtained permission to locate in the extreme 



l66 BORDEIl WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

western part of the State ; during' the following win- 
ter, 1779-80, they remained in and about Fort 
Niagara. Provisions were scarce ; those they received 
were salt, a kind to which the Indians were unaccus- 
tomed. They took the scurvy and died in great 
numbers. The winter was unusually cold, which in- 
creased the difficulties of their situation. 



ANNALS OF TRYO.\ COUNTY. 107 



CHAPTER VII 



*' And now no scenes had brighter smiled, 
No skies with purer splendor mild, 
No greener wreath had crowned the spring, 
No sweeter breezes spread the wing, 
Nor streams through gayer margins rolled. 
Nor harvests waved with richer gold, 
Nor flocks on brighter hillocks played. 
Nor groves entwined a safer shade : 
But o'er her plains, infernal war 
Has whirled the terrors of his car. 
The vengeance poured of wasting flame, 
And blackened man with endless shame." 

At the commencement of the Revolution, the whole 
country now embraced within the limits of the counly 
of Schoharie, contained scarcely one thousand in- 
habitants ; the greater part of these inhabited the 
valley of the Schoharie Creek. Their settlements 
commenced about 20 miles above the junction of that 
stream with the Mohawk River, and extended along 
its valley 15 miles.* The breadth of this valley va- 

* A part only of the settlements of Schoharie was embraced within 
the county of Tryon ; but their revolutionary history is connected with 
that of Tryon County; and I have concluded to give it in this chapter- 
The facts were principally furnished by a friend, since the other chap- 
ters were written. I have in many cases adopted his language and 
sentiments. Some allusions have been made in the foregoing chapters 
to these settlements ; but I trust I shall be excused for giving a more 
minute account of them. 



168 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORKj OK, 

lies from two to three miles, and both in the richness 
of its soil, and in the beauty of its scenery, is scarcely 
equalled in the State. The history of its settlement, 
and the incidents that occurred there during the war of 
the Revolution, is lost, so far as written documents are 
concerned ; and all that can be known respecting it 
must be collected from tradition, and the oral accounts 
of the survivors. Before commencing a narration of 
the events of the Revolution in Schoharie, it may be 
well to relate what tradition has preserved of its early 
history. 

In the year 1709, a number of families from the 
Palatinates in Germany, induced by the liberal offers 
made by Queen Anne, embarked for New York, and 
having proceeded up the Hudson as far as Albany, 
landed and selected a few of their number to choose 
a place for a settlement. Of these, some went to 
Schenectady, and thence up the Mohawk, where a 
settlement of Germans had been formed a few years 
previous ; the others, hearing of a beautiful country 
to the southwest, penetrated the wilderness in that 
direction ; and after travelling through a hilly, and 
in some parts mountainous country, arrived the second 
day on the height of land east of the Scoharie Creek. 

Here a scene of extraordinary beauty, and to them 
entirely new, burst upon their sight ; at their feet, and 
far below them, was a plain of limited extent, em- 
bosomed by hills, in some places rising abruptly to 
the height of 1000 feet, and in others of more gen- 
tle ascent, and broken by deep ravines. The declivity 
of the hills was covered with a stinted growth of oak, 
too scanty to hide even from a distant view the rocks 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. Igg 

amid which they grew, and forming a striking con- 
trast with the stately forest and luxuriant vegetation 
of the plain below. The valley had been partially 
cleared, and the alternate spots of woodland and 
meadow, interspersed with clumps of trees, added 
variety and richness to the landscape. Along its 
western boundary ran the Schoharie Creek, now 
washing the base of the hill, now meandering through 
the flats ; its course marked through the woodlands 
by the deep green of the trees along its bank, and 
through the meadows by the elms that lined its bor- 
ders ; sometimes its course was hidden from the view 
by the thick foliage, and again, as its channel spread 
out wider, or its course inclined to the east, its clear 
waters were seen glittering in the sunbeams. No 
traces of any occupants of this valley were seen, ex- 
cept here and there the ruins of a deserted wigwam. 

The travellers returned to Albany, and gave so flat- 
tering an account of the country which they had 
visited, that the whole company started immediately 
for Schoharie, without waiting for the return of their 
friends from the Mohawk. The place they chose for 
a settlement had formerly been occupied by a part of 
the Mohawk tribe of Indians ; but they had most of 
them now left it. 

The settlers were illy provided with implements of 
husbandry, and with many of the necessaries of life; 
which wants were very severely felt during many 
years. Whether they paid the Mohawks an equiva- 
lent for the land, tradition does not inform us. It 
was not, however, until several years after, that they 
obtained a grant from government. 
8* 



170 BORDER WARFARE LW NEW YORK; OR, 

A commission was sent to grant them a title in the 
name of the crown, and to extend to them the pro- 
tection of the laws. Believing this to be a pretense 
for exacting taxes from them^ and remembering their 
former oppression, they drove off the commissioner, 
and refused to accept his proposals. A part left the 
settlement and went up the Mohawk, and the re- 
mainder were finally prevailed upon by threats and 
persuasion to accept the terms offered by the govern- 
ment agent. 

From this period down to 1775, nothing of impor- 
tance happened in the settlement. When the first 
steps were taken to resist the enforcement of the acts 
of Parliament, a majority of the inhabitants deter- 
mined to support the colonial cause. A committee 
of safety was appointed, which exercised the powers 
mentioned in the previous account of these bodies. 

In the fall of 1777 the inhabitants began to suffer 
from the inroads of straggling parties of Indians, and 
the committee turned their attention to devising some 
mode of defense. Aid was sought from government, 
and three forts were erected, called the Upper, Mid- 
dle, and Lower Forts. The Middle Fort was near 
where the village of Middleburgh now stands ; the 
Upper Fort w^as five miles above, and the Lower Fort 
six miles below ; they consisted of intrench ments of 
earth and wood thrown up in the usual form, around 
some building, which served as a shelter for the 
women and children. In the Middle Fort, this build- 
ing was a stone dwelling-house ; in the Lower a stone 
church. The forts were garrisoned with a few con- 
tinental soldiers, and each furnished with a small field- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 17^ 

piece. Many of the inhabitants repaired to the forts 
at night, and returned in the tnorning to their em- 
ployment on their farms. 

During two or three subsequent years, no powerful 
party of the enemy laid their whole settlement in 
ruins; but individual after individual, and family 
after family, were missing along its outskirts. The 
smoking ruins of their dwellings, the charred bones 
of their inmates, and the dead bodies of domestic ani- 
mals killed by the enemy, were all that were left to 
record their fate, until the return of some captive, or 
the narration of a prisoner taken from the enemy, re- 
vealed the secret of their destruction. 

The Tories, who often commanded the Indians, 
were the most barbarous. There is a story told of an 
act in a settlement adjoining Schoharie, which, for 
the honor of humanity, would not be believed were it 
not supported by undoubted testimony. A party of 
Indians had entered a house, and killed and scalped 
a mother and a large family of children. They had 
just completed their work of death when some royal- 
ists belonging to their party came up, and discovered 
an infant still alive in the cradle. An Indian war- 
rior, noted for his barbarity, approached the cradle 
with his uplifted hatchet. The babe looked up in his 
face and smiled ; the feelings of nature triumphed 
over the ferocity of the savage ; the hatchet fell from 
his hand, and he was in the act of stooping down to 
take the infant in his arms, when one of the royalists, 
cursing the Indian for his humanity, took it up on the 
point of his bayonet, and holding it up struggling in 
the agonies of dpath, exclaimed— -'« M?> too isarehej.^^ 



72 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

But the inhabitants were not the only sufferers. 
Wlien contending- with equal numbers, they gene- 
rally defeated the enemy, and often the Indians found 
their antagonists their superiors in stratagem as well 
as in bravery. Seven Indians meeting with a man 
by the name of Sawyer, took him prisoner, and hav- 
ing gone eight or ten miles, bound him, and laid 
down to sleep. In the night, he succeeded in loosing 
his hands, and then silently taking out of the belt of 
the nearest savage his hatchet, killed with it six of 
them. The seventh made his escape wounded. Saw- 
yet returned home in safety. 

The following account is given by the Rev. Mr. 
Fenn, the former clergyman of Harpersfield, who 
received the information from Col. Harper. 

In the year 1778, McDonald, a Tory of some 
enterprise and activity, had collected about 300 In- 
dians and Tories, and was committing great depreda- 
tions on the frontiers. He fell down upon the Dutch 
settlements of Schoharie, with all his barbarity and 
exterminating rage : Col. Yrooman commanded in 
the fort at Schoharrie at this time : they saw the 
enemy wantonly destroying everything on which they 
could lay their hand. The garrison were so weak that 
they could spare no men from the fort to protect the 
inhabitants, or secure the crops. '' What shall be 
done V^ says Col. Harper. '^ Oh, nothing at all," says 
Col. Vrooman ; ^'we be so weak we cannot do any- 
thing." 

Col. Harper ordered his horse, and laid his course 
for Albany; rode right down through the enemy, 
who were scattered over all the countrv : at Fox's 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 173 

Creek, put up at a Tory tavern for the night; he re- 
tired to bed after having- locked his door; soon there 
was a loud rapping at the door. " What is wanted V 
<' We want to see Col. Harper." The colonel arose 
and unfocked the door ; seated himself on the bed ; 
and laid his sword and pistols before him : in stepped 
four men. «' Step one inch over that mark," said the 
colonel, ''and you are dead men." After talking a 
little time with him, they left the room ; he again 
secured the door, and sat on his bed until daylight 
appeared ; he then ordered his horse, mounted, and 
rode for Albany, and the enemy were round the 
house. An Indian followed the colonel almost into 
Albany ; and when the colonel would wheel his 
horse and present his pistol, the Indian would turn 
and run with all his might. When the colonel 
arrived at Albany, he called on Col. Gansevoort, 
stated the distressed situation of Schoharie, and 
prayed for help ; a squadron of horse was immedi- 
ately provided, and they rode all night, and appeared 
in Schoharie in the morning; and the first knowledge 
that the people had that any relief was expected, they 
heard a tremendous shrieking and yelling, and looked 
out and saw Col. Harper with his troop of horse welt- 
ing up the enemy. The men in the fort rushed out, 
and joined in the attack, and the country was soon 
cleared of the enemy, and the inhabitants had peace 
and rest, and could collect their harvest in safety. 

The massacres at W^yoming and Cherry Valley had 
employed most of the Indians during 1778, and in 
1779 the western tribes were driven back by Gen. 
Sullivan. During the latter summer, a party of the 



174 BORDER WAllFAKK OF NEW YOK.K ; OR. 

Onondagas, after the destruction of their town by Col. 
Van Schaick, made an inclusion into Schoharie. 

There was, at this time, a little settlement, consist- 
ing of only nineteen families, on the Cobbleskill 
Creek, ten miles west of Schoharie. Though they 
had erected no fortifications, they had prepared for 
defense, by organizing a company of militia, and pro- 
curing arms and ammunition. About the middle of 
May, it was reported at a meeting of the militia, that 
some straggling Indians had been seen in the neigh- 
borhood, and a scout of three men, one of whom was 
suspected of being secretly a royalist, was sent out 
into the forest. On the return of the scout, they met 
two Indians near the settlement, who accosting them 
in friendly terms, and pretending to be hunting, were 
suffered to pass. The Indians took a circuitous route, 
and in a short time met them again. The suspected 
individual had now disappeared, having taken a dif- 
ferent path to the settlement. The Indians still pre- 
tended friendship ; one of them familiarly took the 
musket from one of the men, and knocking out the 
flint, handed it back. The other attempted the same 
thing, but his adversary perceiving his intention, shot 
him. His companion fled, and the men returned to 
the settlement. 

This circumstance, together with a rumor that a 
large body of Indians were on their march for Scho- 
harie, excited fears that this little settlement would 
be the first object of their revenge. They immedi- 
ately despatched a messenger to Schoharie with the 
intelligence, and directed him to ask for assistance. 
A part of a company of continental soldiers, under the 



ANNALS OF TRYOi\ COUNTY. 175 

command of Capt. Patrick, was sent the same day to 
Cobbleskill. The next morning a party of Indians 
were seen to cross the creek and return again into the 
woods. A small detachment of men were sent in 
pursuit. These were soon driven back by superior 
force. Capt. Patrick then marched the whole of his 
little band, and 15 volunteers of the militia, to their 
support. The Indians were driven back, but soon 
made a stand, and after firing again retreated. They 
continued to retreat, disputing the ground at every 
step, evidently increasing in number, until the con- 
flict became exceedingly fierce. * Capt. Patrick was at 
first wounded, and afterwards killed, when his men 
sought safety in flight. The Indians immediately 
pursued them, and at the same instant the main body, 
which had been concealed in the thickets, rushed 
forth, and with deafening yells poured a shower of 
rifle-balls upon the fugitives ; their number, as after- 
wards ascertained, was about 300. 

The death of Capt. Patrick alone saved his men 
from entire destruction ; in a few moments more they 
would have been surrounded, and their retreat cut off. 

The inhabitants of the settlement, as soon as they 
saw the fugitives emerging from the woods, pursued 
by the Indians, fled in an opposite direction, and all 
arrived safe at Schoharie ; their escape was favored 
by the desperate resistance of seven of the soldiers, 
who, taking possession of a house, fired from the 
windows, and checked the pursuit of the enem3^ 
The Indians at length succeeded in setting the house 
on fire, and six of its brave defenders perished in tne 
flames ; the other was afterward found a few rods 



176 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

distant, much burned, and horribly mutilated ; a roll 
of continei.ital money was put in his hand, as if in de- 
rision of the cause which he supported. The enemy 
set fire to the buildings in the vicinity, and after bury- 
ing the dead, and mangling the dead bodies of the 
soldiers, retired without pursuing the fugitives further. 
Of the 45 who went out, 21 escaped, 22 were killed, 
and 2 taken prisoners. The Indians suffered severely, 
according to the account of the prisoners who after- 
ward returned. They were accompanied by a few 
Tories, and commanded by a Tory, who took this 
method to obtain revenge for an unsuccessful attempt 
to arrest him the previous year ; he afterward returned 
to his former home upon Charlotte River, and was 
killed by the celebrated Murphy, who was one of a 
party sent to bring him into the fort.* 



* Murplij, who was of great service to tlie inliabitants of Schoharie, 
was a native of Virginia, and had belonged to Morgan's rifle corps, in 
which he had distinguished himself as a marksman. After the capture 
of Bm-goyne, the company to which he belonged was ordered to Scho- 
harie, where it remained until their term of service expired. 

When the company was disbanded, Murphy and some others re- 
mained, and served in the militia. His skill in the desultory war 
which the Indians carry on, gave him so high a reputation, that though 
not nominally the commander, he usually directed all the movements 
of the scouts that were sent out, and on many important occasions the 
commanding officers found it dangerous to neglect his advice. His 
double rifle, his skill as a marksman, and his fleetness either in retreat 
or pursuit, made liim an object both of dread and of vengeance to the 
Indians. They formed many plans to destroy him, but he always 
eluded them, and sometimes made them suifer for their temerity. 

He fought the Indians in their own way, and with then* own weapons. 
When circumstances permitted he tomahawked and scalped his fallen 
enemv. He boasted after the war that he had slain fortv"of the en- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 17-7 

In the fall of 1780, the enemy, about 800 strong, 
under Sir John Johnson, made preparations for de- 
stroying Schoharie and the Mohawk valley. The 
forces, consisting of British regulars, loyalists, and 
Tories, assembled on the Tioga, and marched thence 
up along the eastern branch of the Susquehanna, and 
crossed thence to Schoharie. Col. Harper, with a 
small body of men, annoyed them on their march, 
watched all their movements, and gave timely notice 

emy with his own hand, more than half of whom he scalped. He took 
delight in perilous adventures, and seemed " to love danger for dan- 
ger's sake." Tradition has preserved the account of many of his 
exploits ; but there are so many versions of the same story, and so 
much evident fiction mixed with the truth, that we shall give but a 
single instance as a proof of the dread with wliich he was regarded by 
the Indians. 

They were unable to conjecture how he could discharge his rifle 
twice without having time to reload ; and his singular good fortune in 
escaping unhurt, led them to suppose that he was attended by some 
invisible being who warded off their bullets, and sped his with uner- 
ring certainty to the mark. When they had learned the mystery of 
his double-barreled gun, they were careful not to expose themselves 
too much imtil he had fired twice, knowing that he must have time to 
reload his piece before he could do them further injury. 

One day, having separated from his party, he was pursued by a 
number of Indians, all of whom he outran excepting one ; Murphy 
turned round, fired upon this Indian, and killed him. Supposing that 
the others had given up the pursuit, he stopped to strip the dead, when 
the rest of his pursuers came in sight. He snatched the rifle of his 
fallen foe, and with it killed one of his pursuers ; the rest, now sure of 
their prey, with a yell of joy heedlessly rushed on, hoping to make 
him their prisoner ; he was ready to drop down with fatigue, and was 
likely to be overtaken, when turning round, he discharged the remain- 
ing barrel of his rifle, and killed the foremost Indian ; the rest, aston- 
ished at his firing three times in succession, fled, crying out that he 
could ihoot all day without loading. 



178 BORUER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

of their approach. On the 16th of October they en- 
camped about four miles from the Upper Fort. It 
was their intention to pass the Upper Fort in the 
night, and to attack the Middle Fort at daybreak. As 
it was expected that the Upper Fort would be the first 
object of attack, they hoped to surprise the Middle 
Fort by this unexpected movement. Sir John had 
ordered his troops to be put in motion at four in the 
morning, but from some mistake it was five before 
they began their march. The main body passed the 
Upper Fort undiscovered ; but the rear-guard was 
discovered by the sentinels, and the alarm gun imme- 
diately fired ; the alarm was quickly answered from 
the other forts, and 20 riflemen were sent out from the 
Middle Fort to watch the motions of the enemy ; they 
soon fell in with an advanced party, and retreated 
back to the fort. The firing of the alarm gun disap- 
pointing the enemy, became the signal for them to 
commence the destruction of the settlement; houses, 
barns, and stacks of hay were burned, and cattle, 
sheep, and horses killed or driven away. Sir John 
gave orders that the church should be spared ; but he 
found that with such an army he had only the power 
of doing injury, and contrary orders were never obeyed 
— it too was burned. 

About 8 o'clock the enemy commenced a regular 
attack on the fort ; the regular troops fired a few can- 
non-shot, and threw a number of shells ; but for want 
of skill in i!;e gunners, the shot either fell short or 
flew over, and the shells exploded high in the air. 
The Indians retreated behind a row of willow-trees, 
and kept up a constant fire with small-arms, but at 
too sfreal a distance to take eflnpct. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNPY. 179 

In the fort all was gloom and despondency ; the 
garrison amounted to no more than 150 regular troops, 
and about 100 militia. It is said that there was but a 
single pound of powder in the magazine ; their am- 
munition wagons had been sent to Albany for a supply, 
but had been detained beyond their usual time. Two 
men had been sent through the woods the day before 
to bring powder on their backs, but they had not 
had time to complete their journey. The regular 
soldiers had but a few cartridges apiece ; the militia 
were better supplied. To attempt to defend the fort 
appeared to be madness ; to surrender, was to deliver 
up themselves, their wives, and their children, to im- 
mediate death, or at least to a long captivity. Major 
Woolsey, who commanded the continental troops, was 
inclined to surrender on the first appearance of the en- 
emy, but was prevented by the officers of the militia, 
who resolved to defend the fort. Woolsey's presence 
of mind forsook him in the hour of danger ; he con- 
cealed himself at first with the women and children in 
the house, and wiien driven out by the ridicule of his 
new associates, he crawled round the intrenchments 
on his hands and knees, amid the jeers and bravos of 
the militia, who felt their courage revive as their 
laughter was excited by the cowardice of the major. 
In times of extreme danger, everything which has a 
tendency to destroy reflection by exciting risibility has 
a good effect. 

The enemy, perceiving that their shot and shells 
did little or no execution, formed under shelter of a 
small building near the fort, and prepared to carry 
the works by assault. While the preparations were 



180 liORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

making, a flag was seen to approach the fort; all 
seemed inclined to admit it, when Murphy, who sus- 
pected that it was only an artifice to learn the actual 
strength of the garrison, and aware that for him, at 
least, there was no safety in capitulation, fired upon 
the flag. The flag retired, and some soldiers were 
ordered to arrest Murphy ; but so great was his popu- 
larity among the militia, that no one dared to obey. 
The flag approached a second time, and was a second 
time driven back by Murphy and his adherents. A 
white flag was then ordered to be raised in the fort, 
but Murphy threatened with instant death any one 
who should obey. The enemy sent a flag a third 
time, which was again compelled to retire. The 
British oflScers now held a council of war, and after a 
short consultation withdrew, and proceeded down the 
Schoharie Creek, burning and destroying everything 
in their way. 

The loss of the garrison in this aflfair was only one 
killed and two wounded, one mortally. It is not 
known what loss the enemy sustained, or why they 
retreated so hastily. It was said by some, that a pre- 
tended royalist had given them exaggerated accounts 
of the strength of the garrison ; by others, that a ru- 
mor reached them that the militia were advancing 
from Albany. The latter was probably the true 
cause. Perhaps the determined spirit of resistance 
manifested in firing upon the flag, led them to suppose 
the defense would be obstinate. The Tory leaders, 
satiated with blood, may have been unwilling to act 
over the tragedies of Wyoming and Cherry Valley. 

When they arrived at the Lower Fort, they showed 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 181 

little disposition to attack it, although its garrison 
did not amount to 100 men. They separated into 
two divisions, the regular troops marching along the 
bank of the creek, and the Indians filing off about 
half a mile to the east of the fort. The regulars fired 
a few cannon-shot without effect, one only lodging in 
the corner of the church ; and then, after sinking one 
of their field-pieces in a morass, marched round to the 
north of the fort, where they were joined by the In- 
dians. Here they fired a few shot with small-arms, 
and a few of the Indians approached near enough to 
throw their bullets into the tower of the church, where 
some marksmen had been stationed. A discharge of 
grape from the fort drove them back, and they con- 
tinued their march through the woods to Fort Hunter, 
on the Mohawk, near the mouth of Schoharie Creek, 
where they arrived after dark. The ravages of this 
army, as they passed up the valley of the Mohawk, 
and the battles fought with the militia, will be given 
in a subsequent chapter. 

The beautiful valley of Schoharie Creek presented 
a scene of devastation, on the night of the 17th of 
October, not easily described. Houses, barns, and 
numerous stacks of hay and grain were consumed ; 
domestic animals lay dead everywhere over the fields ; 
a few buildings belonging to the royalists had been 
spared, but the militia, sallying out, set fire to them 
in revenge. After the burning of Schoharie, this set- 
tlement ceased to be so much an object of Tory ven- 
geance ; and during the years 1781 and 1782, though 
there were frequent alarms, little damage was done 
by the enemy. The Indians appeared once in con- 



1(^2 BOllDEll WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

siderable numbers at Cobbleskill, burned a few build- 
ings, killed one man, and carried ofT five prisoners ; 
but tbe body of the inhabitants had taken refuge in 
a fort which they had built on their return from Scho- 
harie in 1781, and were safe. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNT!f. ]83 



CHAPTER VIII 



" Here too, those warrior sires with honor rest, 
Who braved in freedom's cause the valiant breast, 
Sprang from their half-drawn furrow, as the cry 
Of threatened hberty came thrilling by ; 
Looked to their God, and reared in bulwark round 
Breasts free from guile, and hands with toil embrowned, 
And bade a monarch's thousand banners yield — 
Firm at the plough, and giorious in the field ; 
Lo ! here they rest, who every danger braved. 
Unmarked, untrophied, 'mid the soil they saved." 

In 1768, William, John, Alexander, and Joseph 
Harper, with eighteen other individuals, obtained a 
patent for twenty -two thousand acres of land lying in 
the now county of Delaware. The Harpers removed 
from Cherry Valley soon after, and made a settlement 
there which was called Harpersfield. This settlement 
had begun to flourish at the commencement of the 
war. Col. John Harper, who has been often men- 
tioned in the foregoing chapters, had the command 
of one of the forts in Schoharie. 

The following account of a successful enterprise of 
Col. Harper, was also furnished by the Rev. Mr. 
Fenn, who received the information from him. '•' He 
informed me that in the year 1777, he had command 
of the fort in Schoharie^ and of all the frontier sta- 
tions in this region. He left the fort in Scholiarie, 
and came out through the woods to Harpersfield 



184 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

in the time of making sugar, and from thence 
laid his course for Cherry Valley to investigate 
the state of things there ; and as he was pursu- 
ing a blind kind of Indian trail, and was ascend- 
ing what are now called Decatur Hills, he cast his 
eye forward and saw a company of men coming di- 
rectly toward him, who had the appearance of In- 
dians. He knew that if he attempted to flee from 
them they would shoot him down ; he resolved to ad- 
vance right up to them, and make the best shift for 
himself he could. As soon as he came near enough 
to discern the white of their eyes, he knew the head 
man and several others ; the head man's name was 
Peter, an Indian with whom Col. Harper had often 
traded at Oquago, before the Revolution began. The 
colonel had his great-coat on, so that his regimentals 
were concealed, and he was not recognized ; the first 
word of address on Col. Harper's part was, '' How do 
you do, brothers?" the reply was, ^* Well — how do 
you do, brother ? which way are you bound, brother ?" 
" On a secret expedition — and which way are you 
bound, brothers?" ''Down the Susquehanna to cut 
off the Johnstone settlement." (Parson Johnstone, 
and a number of Scotch families, had settled down 
the Susquehanna, at what is now called Sidney Plains, 
and these were the people whom they were about to 
destroy.) Says the colonel, '' Where do you lodge 
to-night?" ''At the mouth of Scheneva's creek," 
was the reply. Then shaking hands with them, he 
bid them good speed, and proceeded on his journey. 
" He had gone but a little way from them before 
he took a circuit through the woods, a distance of 
eight or ten miles, on to the head of Charlotte River, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 185 

where were a number of men making sugar ; ordered 
them to take their arms, two days' provisions, a can- 
teen of rum, and a rope, and meet him down the 
Charlotte, at a small clearing called Evans's place, at 
a certain hour that afternoon ; then rode with all 
speed through the woods to Harpersfield ; collected all 
the men who were there making sugar, and being 
armed and victualled, with each man his rope, laid his 
course for Charlotte; when he arrived at Evans's 
place, he found the Charlotte men there in good spir- 
its ; and when he mustered his men, there were fif- 
teen, including himself, exactly the same number as 
there were of the enemy ; then the colonel made his 
men acquainted with his enterprise. 

*' They marched down the river a little distance, 
and then bent their course across the hill to the mouth 
of Schenevas Creek ; when they arrived at the brow of 
the hill where they could overlook the valley where the 
Schenevas flows, they cast their eyes down upon the 
flat, and discovered the fire around which the enemy 
lay encamped. * There they are,' said Col. Harper. 
They descended with great stillness, forded the creek, 
which was breast-high to a man ; after advancing a 
few hundred yards, they took some refreshment, and 
then prepared for the contest — daylight was just be- 
ginning to appear in the east. When they came to 
the enemy, they lay in a circle, with their feet toward 
the fire, in a deep sleep ; their arms, and all their im- 
plements of death, were all stacked up according to 
the Indian custom when they lay themselves down for 
the night : these the colonel secured by carrying them 
off a distance, and laying them down ; then each 
9 



ISO BORDER WARFARE OF xNEW YORK; OK, 

mail, taking his rope in his hand, placed himself by 
his fellow; the colonel rapped his man softly, and 
said, ' Come, it is time for men of business to be on 
their way ;' and then each one sprung upon his man, 
and after a most severe struggle they secured the 
whole number of the enemy. 

" After they were all safely bound, and the morn- 
ing had so far advanced that they could discover 
objects distinctly, says the Indian, Peter — ' Ha ! Col. 
Harper ! now I know thee — why did I not know thee 
yesterday V ' Some policy in war, Peter.' ^ Ah, me 
find em so now.' The colonel marched the men to 
Albany, delivered them up to the commanding officer 
there, and b}^ this bold and well-executed feat of valor 
he saved the whole Scotch settlement from a wanton 
destruction." 

Early in the spring of 1780, a party of Tories and 
Indians, under the command of Brant, destroyed Har- 
persfield. The inhabitants had generally left the 
place ; but a few of tiie men were at the time engaged 
in making maple sugar. Nineteen were taken pris- 
oners, and several killed. A consultation was held in 
the Indian language in presence of the prisoners, rela- 
tive to a contemplated attack upon the Upper Fort in 
Schoharie ; the Indians, satisfied with the booty and 
prisoners already obtained, were unwilling to risk any- 
thing in an uncertain expedition ; some of the Tories 
represented the plan as promising success, and advised 
the Indians to kill the prisoners, that they might not 
be encumbered with them. Brant came up to Capt. 
Alexander Harper, one of the prisoners, and drawing 
his sword, asked him if there were any troops in the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 187 

fort; saying liis life, should be taken if he did not 
inform him correctly. Harper knew enough of the 
Indian language to have learned the subject of the 
foregoing conversation, and immediately answered, 
that it was well garrisoned, believing that they would 
all be killed should they answer differently. Another 
prisoner, not knowing the determination of the Indi- 
ans, and fearing their vengeance should the falsehood 
be detected, stated truly that tliere were few if any 
troops in the fort. Harper insisted that liis statement 
was true; lie was believed, and they returned to 
Niagara. The last night of their journey they en- 
camped a short distance from the fort. In the morn- 
ing the prisoners were to run the gauntlet. Harper, 
knowing the hostility of the Indians tov/ard him, and 
fearing they might take his life, requested Brant to 
interfere and ^^rotect him, which he promised to do. 
The Indians arranged themselves in two parallel lines, 
facing inwards, with clubs and whips in their hands. 
Harper was selected first; he was a tall, athletic 
man, and on the first signal sprang from the mark 
with extraordinary swiftness. An Indian near the 
end of the line, fearing he might escape with little 
injury, stepped before him. Harper struck him a blow 
with his fist, and then springing over him ran toward 
the fort ; the Indians, enraged, broke their ranks and 
followed him. The garrison, who had been apprised 
of the movements of the Indians, were upon the walls ; 
when they saw Harper approaching, they threw open 
the gate, and he rushed in, w4ien they immediately 
closed it. It was with difficulty that they could keep 
the Indians back. The other prisoners took different 



188 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

courses, and got into the fort without passing through 
this, if not fiery, yet bloody ordeal.* 



* "William Harper was an active member of the Provincial Con- 
gress, and after the war was several times a member of the State 
Legislature. When Otsego County was formed, he was appointed one 
of the assistant judges ; William Cooper, Esq., being first judge. He 
lived to a great age, and died a few years since at Milford, in Otsego 
County, retaining to the last that strong desire for information which 
bad characterized his public life. Col. John Harper died in Harpersfield, 
and Alexander and Joseph, soon after the war, obtained a grant of some 
land in the western part of the State of Ohio, whither they removed. The 
quiet of the country, and the approach of civilization, was not congenial 
to them ; they preferred the life of a borderer, and sought it amid the 
boundless forests which then covered that beautiful State. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 189 



CHAPTER IX 



" And Vengeance striding from his grisly den, 
With fell impatience grinds his iron teeth ; 
And Massacre, unchidden, cloys his famine, 
And quaffs the blood of nations." 

We will now return to the valley of the Mohawk, 
which we left with the retreat of St. Leger, and the 
close of the campaign of 1777. 

During the fall and the following year, Indian 
scouts infested (he country around Fort Schuyler and 
the western settlements, cutting off supplies and mas- 
sacreing the inhabitants and soldiers, when small par- 
ties of the latter happened to pass beyond the limits of 
the fort. 

The following narrative is given by Dr. Dwight : 
''In the autumn, when the siege of Fort Stanwixwas 
raised, the following occurrence took place here. 
Capt. Greg, one of the American officers left in the 
garrison, went out one afternoon with a corporal be- 
longing to the same corps to shoot pigeons. When 
the day was far advanced, Greg, knowing that the 
savages were at times prowling round the fort, deter- 
mined to return. At that moment" a small flock of 
pigeons alighted upon a tree in that vicinity. The 
corporal proposed to try a shot at them ; and having 



190 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

approached sufficiently near, was in the act oT eleva- 
ting his piece towards the pigeons, when the report of 
two niuskels, discharged hy unknown hands, at a 
small distance, was heard ; the same instant, Greg saw 
his companion fall, and felt himself badly wounded in 
the side. He tried to stand, but speedily fell, and in 
a moment perceived a huge Indian taking long strides 
toward him with a tomahawk in his hand. The 
savage struck him several, blows on the head, drew 
his knife, cut a circle through the skin from his fore- 
head to the crown, and then drew off the scalp with 
his teeth. 

''At the approach of the savage, Greg had counter- 
feited the appearance of being dead with as much 
address as he could use, and succeeded so far as to 
persuade his butcher that he was really dead ; other- 
^^yse measures still more effectual would have been 
employed to dispatch him. It is hardly necessary to 
observe, that the pain produced by these wounds was 
intense and dreadful ; those on the head were, how- 
ever, far the most excruciating, although that in his 
side was believed by him to be mortal. The savages 
having finished their bloody business, withdrew. 

"As soon as they were fairly gone, Greg, who had 
seen his companion fall, determined if possible to 
make his wa}^ to the spot where he lay ; from a per- 
suasion that if he could place his head upon the cor- 
poral's body, it would in some degree relieve his 
excessive anguish. Accordingly he made an effort to 
rise, and having with great difficulty succeeded, im- 
mediately fell. He was not only weak and distressed, 
but had been deprived of the power of self-command 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 191 

by the blows of the tomahawk. Strongly prompted, 
however, by this little hope of mitigating his suffer- 
ings, he made a second attempt and again fell. After 
several unsuccessful efforts, he finally regained pos- 
session of his feet, and, staggering slowly through the 
forest, he at length reached the spot where the corpo- 
ral lay. The Indian who had marked him for his 
prey, took a surer aim than his fellow, and killed him 
outright. Greg found him lifeless and scalped. With 
some difficulty he laid his own head upon the body of 
his companion, and, as he had hoped, found con- 
siderable relief from this position. 

"While he was enjoying this little comfort, he met 
with trouble from a new quarter. A small dog which 
belonged to him, and had accompanied him in his 
hunting, but to which he had been hitherto inatten- 
tive, now came up to him in apparent agony, and 
leaping around him in a variety of involuntary mo^ 
tions, yelped, whined, and cried in an unusual man- 
ner, to the no small molestation of his master. Greg 
was not in a situation to bear the disturbance even of 
affection. He tried in every way which he could 
think of to force the dog from him, but he tried in 
vain. At length, wearied by his cries and agitations, 
and not knowing how to put an end to them, he ad- 
dressed the animal as if he had been a rational being. 
^ If you wish so much to help me, go and call some one 
to ray relief.' At these words the creature instantly left 
him, and ran through the forestat full speed, to the great 
comfort of his master, who now hoped to die quietly. 

"The dog made his way directly to three men be- 
longing to the garrison, who were fishing at the dis- 



192 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OK, 

tance of a mile from the scene of this tragedy; as 
soon as he came up to them, he began to cry in the 
same afflicting manner, and advancing near them, 
turned and went slowly back toward the point where 
his master lay, keeping his eye continually on the 
men ; all this he repeated several times. At length 
one of the men observed to his companions, that there 
was something very extraordinary in the actions of 
the dog, and that in his opinion they ought to find 
out the cause ; his companions were of the same mind, 
and they immediately set out with an intention to fol- 
low the animal wtiither he should lead them. iVfter 
they had pursued him some distance, and found 
nothing, they became discouraged. The sun had set, 
and the forest was dangerous ; they therefore deter- 
mined to return. The moment the dog saw them 
whe^l about, he began to cry with increased violence, 
and coming up to the men, took hold of the skirts of 
their coats with his teeth, and attempted to pull them 
toward the point to which he had before directed their 
course. When they stopped again, he leaned his 
back against the back part of their legs, as if endeav- 
oring to push them onward to his master. Astonished 
at this conduct of the dog, they agreed, after a little 
deliberation, to follow him until he should stop. The 
animal directed them directly to his master. They 
found him still living, and, after burying the corporal 
as well as they could, they carried Greg to the fort ; 
here his wounds were dressed with the utmost care, 
and snch assistance was rendered to him as proved 
the means of restoring him to perfect health. This 
story," says the Doctor, '* T received from Captain 



ANNALS OF TKYON COUNTY. 193 

Edward Buckley, who received the account from 
Greg a few days before." 

In the spring of 1778 Lafayette was stationed at 
Albany; in March he went up to Johnstown, from 
which place he wrote to Col. Gansevoort a letter, 
dated March 6th, 1778. This letter was enclosed in 
a letter from Col. Livingston of the same date, of 
which the following is an extract : 

" Enclosed you have a letter from Major Gen. Mar- 
quis de Lafayette, relative to Col. Carleton, nephew 
to Gen. Carleton, who has for some time been in this 
part of the country as a spy. The general appre- 
hends he has taken his route by the way of Oswego, 
and begs you'll send out such parties as you may 
judge necessary for apprehending him." 

The following is the letter of Lafayette : 

'' Sir, 
'' As the taking of Col. Carleton is of the greatest 
importance, I wish you would try every means in 
your power to have him apprehended. I have de- 
sired Col. Livingston, who knows him, to let you 
have any intelligence he can give, and to join to them 
those I have got by a Tory about the dress and figure 
of Carleton. You may send as many parties as you 
please, and every where you'll think proper, and do 
every convenient thing for discovering him. I dare 
say he knows that we are after him, and has nothing 
in view but to escape, which I beg you to prevent by 
all Ineans. You may promise, in my name, fifty 
guineas, hard money, besides all money, &c. they 
can find about Carleton, to any party of soldiers or 
9* 



194 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Indians who will bring him alive. As every one 
knows now what we send for, there is no inconve- 
nience to scatter them in the country, which reward 
is promised in order to stimulate the Indians. 
I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your most obedient servant. 

The Marquis De Lafayette. '^ 

Col. Carleton, it is believed, was not apprehended. 

The Indians and Tories found employment in the 
destruction of Wyoming- and Cherry Valley ; and the 
valley of the Mohawk, with the exception of an in- 
cursion into the German Flats, was unmolested during 
the summer of 1778. The following letter was writ- 
ten by Major Robert Cochran, then commanding at 
Fort Scliuyier, to Col. Gansevoort, dated 

" Fort Schuyler, Sept. 18th, 1778. 
''Dear Colonel, 
'' Since my last, the sachems and warriors of the 
Oneida and Tuscarora nations, with Col. Lewee, ar- 
rived at this fort, with a formal speech from both 
nations. They informed me of their great uneasiness 
in regard to the matter of scalping, which had so 
lately happened about this fort, and were sorry any 
suspicions should be entertained that they had the 
least knowledge of any thing being intended against 
any body here ; that they had from the beginning of 
the present dispute declined acting against us ; that 
they had been used well at first by Col. Dayton, then 
by Col. Elmore ; afterward Col. Gansevoort came to 
this fort, a native of Albany, from whom we expected 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. I95 

much, as the Commissioners of Indian affairs noticed 
him in particular ; but we are sorry he has not noticed 
lis much for some time past ; we are sorry you neglect 
us now ; when your affairs were in a worse situation, 
you courted us and our interest; but now you are 
prosperous you don't know us ; you know we are one ; 
that we have made an agreement with Gen. Schuyler 
and the other commissioners, that we would be friend- 
ly, and not strike the axe at each other. 

^' The next morning I answered them as follows : 
' That I was glad to see them here, and that I had 
taken particular notice of all they had said ; and fur- 
ther, that we were inclined to give them assurance of 
our friendly dispositions to them, and were sorry that 
any uneasiness should arise in their minds ; and in 
regard to what some bad soldiers might say, that they 
would not regard it, as all societies have their bad 
people among them.' 

To which they replied : ' They would not regard 
what the soldiers should say, but would apply to the 
head when occasion might require.' I fed them 
plentifully, and gave them drink also, which I thought 
was best at present for the public service ; and they 
went off greatly satisfied." 

Sometime in the summer of 1778 the enemy made 
an incursion into the western part of the county, and 
destroyed the settlements of German Flats. This fine, 
fertile section of country was laid waste. About one 
hundred houses were burned, a few persons were 
killed and taken, but most of the inhabitants escaped. 

Early in the spring of 1779, as before stated, Gen- 
eral Clinton, with two regiments of the New York 



196 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OK, 

line, moved up the Mohawk, and encamped at Cana- 
joharie. During this summer also, little mischief 
was done in the valley of the Mohawk. In the spring 
of 1780, the Indians again made their appearance, 
infuriated, rather than humbled, by the destruction of 
their villages and grain the previous summer. 

General Clinton gave the following orders to Colo- 
nel Gansevoort, dated 

" Albany, June 6, 1780. 
'' Sir, 
'« You will proceed with your regiment as soon as 
possible to Fort Plank, where you will find a quantity 
of provisions, destined for the use of the garrison at 
Fort Schuyler, which you will take into your charge 
and escort to that post. 

'' As the enemy are said to be out in force on the 
Mohaw^k River, it is absolutely necessary that you 
should pay the strictest attention to prevent a surprise ; 
and, in case of attack, to defend the stores to the last 
extremity; the present situation of the garrison points 
out the absolute necessity of this caution. 
♦ '' You will receive a supply of provisions before 
you march, for the use of your troops, to the end that 
you may not make use of that destined for the garri- 
son. If you should fall short, you must impress from 
the inhabitants, avoiding every degree of irregularity." 
Brant, sagacious, and generally successful where 
he directed, had caused a rumor to be circulated that 
he intended to capture the batteaux, in order to divert 
attention from other points of attack. This plan suc- 
ceeded in August following ; when, on account of a 
similar report, the militia of Canajoharie were ordered 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 



19: 



out to guard a number of batteaux to Fort Schuyler. 
Brant made a circuit through the woods, and coming 
in the rear of them, laid waste the whole country 
around Canajoharie. 

The following account of this movement is given 
by Col. Samuel Clyde, in a letter to Gov. George 
Clinton, dated 

'' Canajoharie, August Qth, 1780. 

*'SlR, 

^* I here send you an account of the fate of our dis- 
trict. On the second day of this inst., Joseph Brant, 
at the head of about four or five hundred Indians and 
Tories, broke in upon the settlements, and laid the 
best part of the district in ashes, and killed sixteen of 
the inhabitants that we liave found ; took between 
fifty and sixty prisoners, mostly women and children, 
twelve of whom they have sent back. They have 
killed and drove away with them upwards of three 
hundred head of cattle and horses; have burnt fifty- 
three dwelling-houses, beside some outhouses, and 
as many barns, one very elegant church, and one 
grist-mill, and two small forts that the women fled 
out of. They have burnt all the inhabitants' weapons 
and implements for husbandry, so that they are left 
in a miserable condition. They have nothing left to 
support themselves but what grain they have grow- 
ing, and that they cannot get 'saved for want of tools 
to work with, and very few to be got here. 

'' This affair happened at a very unfortunate hour, 
when all the militia of the county were called up 
to Fort Schuyler to guard nine batteaux about half 
laden, ft was said the enemv intended to take 



198 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Uiem on their passing to Fort Schuyler. There was 
scarce a man left tliat was able to go. It seems that 
every thing conspired for our destruction in this quar- 
ter ; one whole district almost destroyed, and the best 
regiment of militia in the county rendered unable to 
help themselves or the public. This I refer you to 
Gen. Rensselaer for the truth of. 

'' This spring, when we found that we were not likely 
to get any assistance, and knew that we w^ere not able 
to withstand the enemy, we were obliged to work and 
build ourselves forts for our defense, which we had 
nearly completed, and could have had our lives and 
effects secure, had we got liberty to have made use 
of them. But that must not be, we must turn out of 
them ; not that we have anything against assisting 
the general to open the communication to Fort Schuy- 
ler, but still doubted what has happened while we 
were gone. But it was still insisted on that there was 
no danger when we were all out; that in my opinion 
there never has been such a blunder committed in the 
county since the war commenced, nor the militia so 
much put out; and to send generals here without 
men, is like sending a man to the woods to chop with- 
out an axe. I am sensible, had the general had suffi- 
cient men, that he would have been able to have given 
satisfaction both to the public and inhabitants here." 

We have already given an account of the ravages 
of Sir John Johnson, in the fall of 1780, along the 
valley of the Schoharie Creek. The day after the 
burning of Schoharie, that is, the 18th of October, 
he burned Caughnawaga. Col. Fisher, residing near 
this place, after defending himself in his house, with 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 199 

two brothers, both of whom were killed, fled from it, 
and was pursued and overtaken by the Indians. 
They tomahawked and scalped him, and left him, as 
they supposed, dead. The next day he was found 
by a friend, w'ho carried him to his house. He re- 
covered and lived long- after the war, a useful member 
of society, and a monument of Indian barbarity. 

From Caughnaw^aga, Johnson passed up on the 
north side of the Mohawk, ravaging and burningevery 
thing in his course. Gen. Van Rensselaer, who had 
been apprised of his movements, collected the militia 
from Claverack and Schenectady, and pursued him. 
From Caughnawaga, Gen. Van Rensselaer wrote to 
Col. Brown, commanding at Stone Arabia, with a 
small force of 130 men stationed in a fort there, to 
turn out and check the advance of the enemy, and 
he would support him from the rear. Col. Brown 
obeyed the orders, but owing to some delay of Gen. 
Van Rensselaer's, was not supported by him. He 
fell, fighting manfully at the head of his little band, 
with 30 or 40 of his followers. The rest, unable to 
oppose any longer a force so much superior, retreated. 

Sir John Johnson settled at Fox's Mills, about eight 
miles above Fort Plank, (or as it is noW' called Fort 
Plain,) and two miles below the upper Mohawk castle. 
On the north side and on a flat, partly surrounded by a 
bend of the river, he posted his regiment of regulars 
and Tories. A small breastwork was thrown across 
the neck of land. The Indians occupied a tract of 
elevated land to the north and in the immediate 
vicinity, which was covered with a thick growth of 
shrub-oak. In this position Sir John awaited the 



200 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

approach of Gen. Van Rensselaer, who was joined by 
the Canajoljaiie militia and the Tories from Fort 
Plain under Col. Du Bois. After a slight skirmish 
the Indians were driven from their position, and fled 
up the river to the fording place, near the castle, where 
they crossed, and directed their course toward the Sus- 
quehanna. Sir John's troops made a more effective 
resistance, though they were almost exhausted by the 
forced marches which they had made, and the labors 
they had performed. The attack had been commenced 
late in the day. Though it was conducted with con- 
siderable spirit, night came on before the works of Sir 
John were carried. In this situation Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer ordered his troops to fall back a mile and en- 
camp. Many of the militia were enraged on account 
of this order, and refused to obey it. They remained 
during most of the night, and took several prisoners, 
who informed them that the enemy were on the point 
of offering to capitulate, when Gen. Van Rensselaer 
ordered his troops to fall back. A detachment of the 
Canajoliarie militia, under Col. Clyde, took one of their 
field-pieces during the night. 

On the following morning, when Gen. Van Rens- 
selaer advanced with his troops, the enemy had entire- 
ly disappeared. They had left their ground, and 
retreated up the river a short distance, and then 
crossed to the south. The river was deep and rapid 
where it formed the bend, which would have ensured 
Gen. Van Rensselaer a complete victory had he prose- 
cuted his attack with more vigor. A detachment was 
sent in pursuit, who discovered in the trail of the 
enemy evidence of the extreme state to which they 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 201 

were reduced by hunger and fatigue. The whole 
country on the north side of the river, from Caugh- 
nawaga to Stone Arabia and Palatine, had been de- 
vastated, which, with the ravages of Brant on the 
soutfi side of the river, in the previous August, almost 
completed the destruction of the Mohawk settlements. 

Jf here and there a little settlement escaped their 
ravages, each were like an oasis in the desert, affording 
temporary slielter and protection, and, like them, 
liable to be destroyed or buried up by the next whirl- 
wind which should sweep over the land. 

But these incursions of the enemy were not made 
without loss on their part. The militia hastily collect- 
ed, hung upon their rear, and often attacked them, and 
checked and diverted their course ; and there were 
instances of individual resistance — of men standing 
between the enemy and their wives and children, 
upon whose scalps the Indians might well have paint- 
ed the little red foot* indicating that they fell fighting 
bravely in their defense. 

* See Appendix — ISTotes I, K. 



O02 BORDER WARFARI': OF NEW YORK; OR, 



CHAPTER X 



" Still in your prostrate land there shall be some 
Proud hearts, the shrines of Freedom's vestal flame ; , 
Long trains of ill may pass unheeded, dumb, 
But vengeance is behind, and justice is to come." 

The following letter was written by Major Nicholas 
Fish to Gen. Clinton, under date of 

Schenectady^ March 6th, 1781. 
" Dear General, 

"The enclosed letters from Col. Cortland announce 
the disagreeable tale of the capture of fifteen men of 
our regiment and murder of one, by which the inhab- 
itants of this town, and doubtless of the upper settle- 
ments, have their fears very considerabl3^ alarmed. 

" In consequence of your intention, communicated 
to me when last in Albany, I wrote to the justices at 
Canajoharie for a warrant to impress twenty sleighs, 
for the purpose of transporting another supply of pro- 
vision to Fort Schuyler, and ordered the officer com- 
manding at Fort Rensselaer to furnish men to execute 
the warrant on Tuesday morning, and forward the 
sleighs to this place to-morrow evening. Perhaps this 
disaster may put it out of his power to procure the 
number ordered ; but should the sleighs arrive, I wish 
|f> have particular instructions whether to prosecute 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 208 

the first plan of sending on the provision or not ; and 
if you should judge it expedient to send on the pro- 
vision, notwithstanding the niisfortune, I would be 
happy to know what number the escort must consist 
of, and from what posts it must be furnished. The 
company with me amounts to about forty men fit for 
duty ; the companies above average about the same 
number ; to lessen either, you will readily believe, sir, 
would increase the uneasiness of the inhabitants. 

" P. S. If the present moment for sending an ad- 
ditional supply to the fort is to be embraced, would it 
not be advisable to call in some aid from the militia?'' 

To tliis letter Gen. Clinton returned, on the same 
day, the following answer, dated 

'' Albany. 

'' Yours of this day's date has been received. The 
intelligence from Fort Schuyler is too disagreeable to 
dwell upon ; I hope it may put us so much on our 
guard as to prevent similar accidents. I sincerely 
wish sleighs could be procured nearer hand than 
those at Canajoharie. The provision, I should think, 
ought at least to be sent as far as that settlement by 
sleiglis from the vicinity of Schenectady. However, 
if a sufficient number are not furnished from that 
quarter, Mr. Glenn must procure them nearer home. 
I do not imagine the present escort will run so great 
a risk as the last ; yet I would not wish to subject 
such an important transport to the least uncertainty. 
You will therefore detach the company under your 
immediate command to Johnstown ; and as they have 
been up lately, and consequently fatigued, you will 
direct them to remain there, and send on the company 



204 BORDER. WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

now Stationed there, with twenty men from each of 
the other companies, and officers proportionate, which 
will complete the escort to eighty men ; the inhabit- 
ants in their absence must turn out and defend their 
posts." 

This expedition was undertaken by Major Fish, and 
the provision safely conveyed to Fort Schuyler; but 
the labor of transporting it was extremely severe. 
The snow was so deep that the road was almost im- 
passable, and in many places above Canajobarie no 
path had been made. Some days they advanced only 
two or three miles. This labor of transporting and 
guarding provision and ammunition for Forts Plain, 
Da3^ton,* and Schuyler, was very oppressive upon 
the inhabitants of the frontier. 

* Fort Dayton was built 1776, at German Flats, and named in honor 
of Col. Dayton. The old fort at German Flats was called Fort Her- 
kimer ; and in 1758 was commanded by Col. Charles Clinton, father of 
Gen. James and Governor George Clinton, and grandfather of De Witt 
Clinton, who was a son of General James Clinton. This officer march- 
ed from this fort in the summer of 1758, under Gen. Bradstreet, to 
Oswego, and went thence to the siege of Fort Frontenac. This expe- 
dition was completely successful ; the French were not apprised of 
their approach until they saw them before the walls of their fortress. 
Among the persons who were afterward distinguished, who accompa- 
nied Gen. Bradstreet, were Horatio Gates, then a captain, and Nathan- 
iel Woodhull, then a major, afterward first president of the New York 
Provincial Congress, and who in the Revolution was a general, and 
sealed liis attachment to the cause of his country with his blood. Col. ' 
Charles Clinton wrote a very interesting account of this expedition 
against Fort Funtenac, which has been preserved, and is in possession 
of his great grandson, Charles Clinton, Esq., of New York. Though 
not belonging to the period of which I am writing, yei I will insert the 
account which he gives of the capture of this fort. 

" The fort of Frontenac was a regular square, built on[the entrance in 
the Lake Ontario, on the northwest side of the river. It was built of 



ANNALS OF TKYON COUNTY. 205 

During the early part of the summer of 1781, a con- 
stant warfare was carried on in the vicinity of the 
forts ; small parties of Indians hovered about Fort 
Plain, and cut off every soldier or inhcibitant who was 
so careless or unfortunate as to stray beyond its walls. 

Col. Willet, who now commanded at this fort, in 
July sent Lieut. Gros, with thirty-six men, as a secret 
scout, into Durlagh,* now the town of Sharon, in 
Schoharie County. They discovered, near the bor- 
ders of that settlement, an Indian trail, and followed 
it in the direction the Indians had gone. The scout 

stone and lime, about fifteen feet higla ; had all round a platform of 
timber, boarded with thick plank, on which their cannon were mounted ; 
the embrasures were too narrow to admit of the cannon to be brought 
to bear on one point. The situation was bad, for it stood in a low 
place, and rising ground northwest of it; and little hollows, by which 
we made our approaches with so little loss. The first day we made 
no intrenchments, but from behind one of these little heights fired with 
our cannon upon them. It was well supplied with all sorts of warlike 
stores ; had above sixty pieces of cannon, and a vast number of beauti- 
ful small-arms, and powder and ball of all sorts. We brought otT from 
it a large quantity of powder, but the garrison, not expecting the En- 
glish would ever venture to pay them a visit there, had sent their men 
to other places of more danger. I cannot tell how many was in it; we 
saw but about a hundred; but when they found that the place would 
be taken, the Indians (and no doubt many of the French) went away, 
as did the men on board tlie brig and schooner. I believe the garrison 
might consist of 200. The destruction of this place, and of the ship- 
ping, artillery, and stores, is one of the greatest blows the Fj-ench have 
met with in America, considering the consequence of it ; as it was the 
store out of which all the forts to the southward were supplied, and 
the shipping destroyed those they employed in that service. 

" It was concerted and agreed upon in an instant, (though looked 
upon by some as a chimerical, wild, improbable undertaking,) carried on 
so secretly that the French never heard of our coming till they saw us 
where we came to at an island, the evening before we landed. The 



206 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OH,, 

fell in file alongside of the path made by the Indians, 
and by this means ascertained that the force of the 
enemy was very considerable. Three men were sent 
on to make further discoveries. After pursuing the 
trail a short distance, they arrived upon the border of 
a thick cedar swamp, five or six miles to the north- 
east of Cherry Valley ; here they found the camp of 
the enemy, in which a few sentinels only were sta- 
tioned. The main body of the enemy were out on 
some expedition. One of the men stole up and took 
a blanket from beneath a tent, without being dis- 



siege was carried on so vigorously that we invested the place the 26th 
of August, and took it the 27th, about the same time. Here I must ob- 
serve, that the governor of Fort Frontenac was let go home in exchange 
for Col. Schuyler ; and for the other prisoners, they are to send us as 
many of ours from Canada, in exchange. — 28th. Having the evening 
before put our plunder on board our shipping and batteaux, we set sail, 
and left that neat, handsome garrison and good buildings (where the 
French lived well) in a heap of rubbish. By this we paid them for the 
demolition of Oswego, which they served the same way, with this dif- 
ference, that we neither insulted nor injured any one of the prisoners, 
but rather treated them with more humanity than that nation deserved 
whose ambition has embroiled all Europe in war for many years. 

*' I will conclude my narrative of the taking of Frontenac, by relating 
a piece of papist superstition, told us by a young man, one of Captain 
Oglevie's m«n, who was taken by the Indians, and sold to the gover- 
nor of Fort Frontenac, and was in his service when he took the place : 
He says, that when we invested the place, the priests, or some of their 
people, set the Lady Mary's image on a table, standing, and a num- 
ber of the people were praying earnestly to her to deliver and save 
them and the garrison from us heretics ; but in the height of their de- 
votion a bomb fell near the place, burst, and broke into the windows, 
and, without any regard to the image, drove it in pieces off the table. 
This struck them with such terror, they all looked up, and cried, Mon 
Dieu ! mon Dieu ! all was lost, the Virgin Marj^ was gone, the here- 
tics would take the place." 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 207 

covered. Having made the necessary observations, 
they followed the remainder of the scout back to Fort 
Plain. It was almost night when the scout arrived, 
but Col. Willet added seventy men, and ordered an 
immediate march. They were joined by Major Rob- 
ert M'Kean, with about thirty men, making their 
force one hundred and fifty. M'Kean informed Col. 
Willet that the enemy were about three hundred 
strong, principally Indians, under the command of a 
Tory, by the name of John Doxtader; and that the 
day previous they had destroyed Curry town, a small 
settlement near the Mohawk, a short distance above 
Schenectady. The night was very dark, and there 
was no road, nothing but a path through the woods. 
Their progress was very slow. About daylight they 
came in sight of the camp. A scout sent forward 
reported that the enemy had just returned. Col. Wil- 
let drew up his men in two parallel lines, and then 
ordered them to fall back and conceal themselves 
behind the trees. His plan was favored by the thick 
cedar swamp in the neighborhood of the enemy's 
camp. Major M'Kean with fifty men occupied the 
right, and Col. Willet commanded the left body, com- 
posed of his one hundred men. Two men were then 
sent forward to pass over a piece of open ground in 
sight of the enemy. When discovered, they were 
directed to lead in between the two lines. The ex- 
pectations of Col. W^illet were realized ; the Indians, 
as soon as they saw these men, raised their war-cry 
and commenced an immediate pursuit. As they fol- 
lowed in, the troops of Major M'Kean opened a gall- 
ing and destructive fire upon them, which was warmly 



208 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

seconded by Col. Willet's men on the left. The In- 
dians were beaten at their own game ; they sought 
shelter behind the trees, but were driven back and 
routed at the point of the bayonet. Col. Wiilet led 
the van, and waving his hat cheered on his men. 
The camp of the enemy and all their plunder was 
taken. They retreated down toward the Susque- 
hanna, and were pursued with considerable loss. 
Shortly after the first fire. Major M4<ean received two 
severe wounds, but he continued his command until 
the rout of the enemy was complete. His faithful 
soldiers carried him back to Fort Plain, where he 
survived but a day or two. The victory was dearly 
won by the loss of this brave and hardy chieftain. 

In August following. Major Ross and Walter But- 
ler came from Canada by the way of Sacondaga to 
Johnstown, with 607 men — 477 British and Tories, and 
130 Indians. They encamped on the elevated ground 
a little to the north of Johnson Hall. This edifice, 
erected by Sir William Johnson, and in which he re- 
sided at the time of his death, is situated about one 
mile distant from the court-house, in the centre of the 
village, and upon ground descending gradually from 
the northwest to the south and southeast. The vil- 
lage plot descends to the north, thus forming a small 
valley between the Hall and village. To a person in 
the village, Johnson Hall appears to be situated on a 
lawn, beyond which no prospect opens to the sight. 
When arrived at the Hall, he perceives in an easterly 
direction, about nine miles distant, the range of 
Mayfield hills or mountains, wliile to the south are 
seen Anthony's Nose, on the Mohawk ; beyond that 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 209 

Charleton, and, still further on, the hills between Ca- 
najoharie and Cherry Valley ; and, at a distance of 
between thirty and forty miles, the blue, cloud-like 
mountains leading to tlie Catskill and Delaw^are. 

Col. Willet moved from Fort Plain with about 300 
levies. On the 22d of August he determined to at- 
tack the enemy in their camp. He detached 100 men 
under Colonel Harper to make a circuit through the 
woods and fall upon the enemy's rear, while he should 
attack them in front. A short distance above the Hall, 
Col. Wiliet was met by Ross with all his force, and 
his men on the first fire gave way and retreated, 
Willet endeavored to rally them at the Hall, but failed. 
At the village he succeeded in stopping them ; here 
he was joined by 200 militia just arrived. The de- 
tachment under Harper had gained the rear, and had 
now opened a fire upon the enemy. The attack was 
now renewed by Colonel Willet, and the enemy were 
finally driven from their ground with loss. Thirteen 
Americans, and seventeen British and Indians were 
killed. 

Major Ross retreated up the noith side of the Mo- 
hawk, marching all night, after the battle. In the 
morning he was pursued by Col. Willet, but was not 
overtaken. The region of country over which Ross 
retreated after he had passed the settlements, lies 
twenty or thirty miles north of Fort Schuyler, and at 
that time was uncultivated and desolate ; his army 
suffered much from hunger. 

It w^as on this retreat that Walter Butler was killed ; 
he was pursued by a small party of Oneida Indians ; 
when he arrived at West Canada Creek, about fifteen 
10 



210 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

miles above Herkimer, he swam his horse across the 
stream, and then turning round, defied his pursuers, 
who were on the opposite side. An Oneida immedi- 
ately discharged his rifle, and wounded him, and he 
fell. Throwing down his rifle and his blanket, the In- 
dian plunged into the creek and swam across ; as soon 
as he had gained the opposite bank, he raised his tom- 
ahawk, and with a yell, sprang, like a tiger, upon his 
fallen foe; Butler supplicated, though in vain, for 
mercy ; the Oneida, with his uplifted axe, shouted in 
his broken English : '' Sherry Valley ! remember 
Sherry Valley !" and then buried it in his brains. He 
tore the scalp from the head of his victim, still quiver- 
ing in the agonies of death, and ere the remainder of 
the Oneidas had joined him, the spirit of Walter But- 
ler had gone to give up his account. The place where 
he crossed is called Butler^ s Ford to this day. 

Col. John Butler had some good traits of character, 
and in his calmer moments would regret the ravages 
committed by the Indians and Tories ; but Walter 
Butler was distinguished from youth for his severe, 
acrimonious disposition. After the massacre at Cherry 
Valley he went to Quebec ; but Gen. Haldiman, gov- 
ernor of Canada, gave out that Jie did not wish to see 
him.* 



" Col. Stone, in his Life of Brant, has in one or two instances attempted 
a justification or rather palliation of the conduct of Walter Butler, and 
says that the history of the events was written too soon to be entirely 
impartial. One of the letters of Butler, which he gives as proof, and 
which will be found in Vol. I,^ pages 377, 378, 'closes with this tlTreat: 

" Cut be assui'cd that if you persevere in detaining my father's family 



AxNNALS OF TRVO^; COUNTY. 211 

It may be remarked here, that many of tlie British 
officers did not approve of the conduct of the Indians 
and Tories. In that war, though we had many a bit- 
ter, we had also many a generous and warm-hearted 
foe. They said it was"a disgrace to the English army, 
thus to carry on this predatory warfare, and to make 
prisoners of women and children. 

In the winter of 1781-2, Col. Willet* undertook a 

with you, that we shall no longer take the same pains to restrain the 
Indians from prisoners, women and children, that we have heretofore 
done. I am your humble servant, 

"Walter K Butler, 
General Schuyler." Capt. Com. of the Rangers. 

The language of that letter needs no comment. ~ It was written the 
day after the massacre at Cherry Valley, and it was answered by 
Gen. James Clinton. Gen. Clinton in his reply says : 

" Do not flatter yom'self, sir, that yom- father's family have been de- 
tained on account of any consequence they were supposed to be of, or 
that it is determined they should be exchanged in consideration of the 
threat contained in your letter. I should hope for the sake of human 
nature, and the honor of civilized nations, that the British officers had 
exerted themselves in restraining the barbarity of the savages." 

The wife of Col. John Bvitler was, with some of her children, de- 
tained as a hostage by the committee of safety, and they were after- 
ward exchanged for the wife and children of Col. Samuel Campbell, 
who were taken prisoners at Cherry Yalley. 

* Col. Marinus Willet died at ]S"ew York, August 22, 1830— the 
anniversary of his battle with Major Ross and Walter Butler — aged 
yo years. The following notice appeared in one of the city papers : 

" The coffin of Col. Willet, who died recently in the city of K'ew 
York, was made of pieces of wood collected by himself, many years 
ago, from different revolutionary battle-grounds. The corpse, in com- 
pliance with a written request of the deceased, was habited in a com- 
plete suit of ancient citizen's apparel, including an old-fashioned three- 
cornered hat, which had been preserved for that purpose. It is estima- 
ted that several thousand persons passed through the house for the 
purpose of viewing the remains." 



212 BORDiai WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

haziirdons expedition — an expedition suited to his 
bold, persevering genius. He marched a body of his 
men, in the dead of winter, from Fort Plain to Oswe- 
go, passing up the Mohawk on the ice, and using 
snow-shoes the remainder of the way ; his object was 
the capture of Fort Oswego ; but on his arrival near 
the fort, he learned that the preliminary treaty of 
peace had been signed ; he therefore immediately 
abandoned the enterprise. 

The incursion of Ross and Butler was the last 
made into the county of Tryon. Indeed, there was 
no longer anything to destroy. The inhabitants lost 
all but the soil which they cultivated ; their beautiful 
county, except in the vicinity of the forts, was turned 
into a wilderness. During the war, famine some- 
times appeared inevitable, and it was with difficulty 
that they preserved from the ravages of the enemy 
efficient grain to support their families during the 
winter. The resistance of the inhabitants of the fron- 
tier settlements, however unimportant it may seem, 
because no great battles were fought, or important 
victories won, was of very considerable moment in 
the cause for which they struggled ; they kept back 
the enemy from the towns on the Hudson, and thus 
frustrated the plan of the British for establishing a line 
of posts along that river. And while we admire the he- 
roism and patriotism of those worthies of the Revolution 
whose names have come down to us surrounded with a 
halo of glory, we should not withhold our praise from 
those obscure individuals in the frontier settlements, 
who, amid the most appalling dangers, surrounded on 
all sides by enemies and traitors, still refused to submit 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 213 

to oppression and arbitrary exactions, though allured 
by assurances of safety and promises of reward. Many 
left their homes ; many fell in battle in the regular 
army, and in skirmishes and battles with the enemy 
at home; and many fell silently, by the rifle, the 
tomahawk, and the scalping-knife of the Indian, 

« Their ashes flew, no marble tells us whither " 



214 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; 01!, 



CHAPTER XI. 

" 'Tis faith thus wrought, whose fearful mysteries 
Yield e'en weak women strength for deeds like these." 

It has been stated in a preceding chapter, that 
Mrs. Campbell and her children were carried captives 
into the Indian country. Soon after her arrival at 
Canadaseago, the capital of the Seneca nation, she 
was given to a family to fill the place left vacant by 
the death of one of its members. This family was 
composed of females, with the exception of one aged 
warrior, who no longer went forth either to the chase 
or to war ; this circumstance enabled her to render 
herself useful to them. The Indians knew little of 
the most common arts of life ; few of the Indian 
women could make even an ordinary calico garment. 
She made garments not only for the family to whi(^ 
she belonged, but also for the neighboring families, 
who in return sent corn and venison for their support. 
By reason of these services, she was under no restraint, 
but was free to come or go as she pleased. 

The Indians paid no regard to the Sabbath, but 
pursued their usual avocations on that day; on her 
informing them that she kept that day sacred, they 
did not ask her to do any work, and gave strict orders 
to the children to remain silent while in her presence. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 215 

An Indian one day came into the house where she 
was, and asked her why she wore caps, saying, " In- 
dians do not do so." She replied it was the custom 
of her countrywomen. '' Well, come to my house, 
and I will give you a cap." Her adopted mother 
motioned to her to follow him. As soon as they had 
entered the house, he pulled from behind a beam a 
cap of a smoky color, and handed it to her, saying 
in English, '' I got that cap in Cherry Valley ; I took 
it from the head of a woman." On examination she 
recognized it as having belonged to the unfortunate 
Jane° Wells; and was no doubt the one she had on 
when she was so barbarously murdered, as it had a 
cut in the crown made by the tomahawk, and was 
spotted with blood. She could not but drop a tear to 
her memory, for she had known her from infancy — 
a pattern of virtue and loveliness. In the Indian 
who stood before her she perceived the murderer of 
her friend. She turned from him with hoiror. Re- 
turning to her cabin, she tore off the lace border, and 
washing it carefully, though she could not efface 
the stains of blood, laid it away with the intention of 
giving it to some of the friends of Miss Wells, if any 
had been fortunate enough to escape. She afterward 
gave it to Miss Ramsay, a cousin, whom she found at 
Fort Niagara, and who, together with her mother, 
melted into tears as they beheld this little relic, spot- 
ted with the blood of their kinswoman. 

Early in the winter the nation assembled at Cana- 
daseago to hold a general council, and to celebrate 
their late successes. This village was laid out with 
some regularity, and in almost a circular form, en- 



216 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

closing a large green. The houses were generally 
built of bark, after the rude style of the Indians. A 
few were of hewn logs. The ceremony was com- 
menced by a sacrifice. A white dog was killed and 
borne along in procession to a large fire kindled in 
the centre of the village. In the mean time others 
went round to ev^ry house with a basket, in which 
each individual was required to deposit something. 
This basket, with all its contents, was first cast into 
the fire. Afterward the'dog was laid on and thoroughly 
roasted, and was then eaten. This was followed by 
eating, drinking and dancing, which continued for 
several days.* 

When Col. Butler went to Canada he left his wife 
and children in the county. The committee after- 
ward refused permission to them to join him. Captain 
Walter Butler, her son, wrote a letter by the prison- 
ers who returned to Cherry Valley, to Col. Campbell, 
proposing an exchange of Mrs. Campbell and her 
children for his mother and brothers. This letter was 
laid by him before Gov. Clinton and Gen. Schuyler, 
and the proposed exchange was agreed to by them. 

Early in the spring Col. Campbell dispatched an 
Indian messenger to Col. Butler at Fort Niagara, in- 
forming him that the proposition was acceded to. 
Col. Butler soon after came to Canadaseago to confer 
with the Indians in reference to their giving up their 
prisoners. When prisoners have been given to a 
family, that family return them with great reluctance. 
They usually fill the places of deceased relatives. To 

* See Appendix — Note K. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 21*7 

return them for money, or any other compensation, 
would be equivalent to selling their relatives. A 
council was called, which continued sitting for several 
days. Col. Butler urged with great earnestness the 
Indians to give up the prisoners in exchange for his 
wife and children. The assent of the council was 
finally obtained. The residence of Mrs. C. was 
intended to have been only temporary at Canada- 
seago. This spring she was to have been placed in a 
family in the Genesee village, who were kinsfolk of 
the family with whom she lived at this time, and also 
of Guyanguahta, or, as he was usually called, Grahta, 
the Seneca king. It was necessary to obtain their 
assent, and the old king himself set out on this er- 
rand. Having succeeded, he returned to Canadase- 
ago, and immediately informed Mrs. C. that she was 
now free. The good old king had always been kind 
to her. Though considerably advanced in life, so 
that he did not join in the war, yet he performed this 
journey on foot. Before her departure for Niagara, 
he came up from his residence near the outlet of the 
Seneca Lake, to bid her adieu, and to wish her success 
on her journey. ''You are now about to return to 
your home and friends, I rejoice. You live a great 
way, many days' journey from here. I am an old 
man, and do not know that I shall live to the end of 
this war ; if I do, when the war is over I will come 
and see you." This was spoken through an inter- 
preter. A circumstance occurred about the same time, 
which deserves notice. It has been observed that the 
Oneidas passed through the country of the other na- 
tions unmolested. One of them came into the village 
12* 



218 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

of Canadaseago. Among the prisoners in the village 
was a Mr. Piper, who had been taken in the valley 
of the Mohawk. He sought an interview with the 
Indian. The Indian, informed of this, called upon 
him, and addressed him in English in a very grave 
tone : '' You wished to see me — I have come — what 
do you want?" ^'I wished to request you, when you 
return, to go to my family and inform them that I am 
alive." '^ Is that all ?" said the generous Oneida; '^ I 
supposed you wanted me to conduct you back to your 
home." '' I dare not leave," was the reply ; ^'I 
would be pursued and overtaken, and probably 
killed." ''lean lead yon safe, by paths which they 
do not know. If you will go with me, I am sure I 
can conduct you home in safety." Mr. Piper was 
advanced in life, and preferred waiting until some 
exchange should be made, to hazarding his life by an 
attempt to escape. This conversation had been over- 
heard. Col. Butler, fearing lest he might escape, 
ordered him forward to Niagara. Col. Butler remained 
in the Indian country with his rangers. He was 
joined by Brant and the Indians, in all about 800, 
who made a stand, as before mentioned, at Newtown. 
Mrs. Campbell, shortly after the return of the old 
king, was also sent to Niagara, where she arrived in 
June, 1779. Soon after the British at that fort re- 
ceived information of the march of Gen. Sullivan. 
The fort at this time was in a poor condition to resist 
an attack. A regiment was ordered up from Canada 
to aid in repairing and garrisoning it. The men 
were almost constantly on fatigue duty during tlie 
summer. The most vigorous preparations were made 



ANNALS OF TllYON COUNTY. 219 

to give Gen. Sullivan a warm reception, should the 
capture of this fort be the object of the campaign. 

Among the persons driven into the fort by the 
American army, was Catrine Montour, who had sig- 
nalized herself by her inhumanity at Wyoming. She 
had two sons, who were the leaders of bands, and 
who consequently imparted additional consequence to 
her. This creature was treated with considerable at- 
tention by some of the officers. It has already been 
remarked j however, in justice to that body of men, 
that the indiscriminate war which was carried on 
along the border was not generally sanctioned or ap- 
proved of by them. 

A son of Catrine Montour took prisoner, in Cherry 
Valley, Mr. Cannon, the father of Mrs. Campbell. 
Mr. Cannon was severely wounded by a musket ball, 
and was also advanced in life ; but he had been a 
committee-man, and had taken an active part in the 
war. He was therefore taken along a prisoner, for 
the purpose of exchange. On the return of the party 
into the Indian country, Catrine addressed her son in 
English, and, in the presence of Mr. Cannon, re- 
proached him for having acted hnmanely. " Why 
did you bring that old man a prisoner ? Why did 
you not kill him when you first took him 1" An- 
other person was Molly, the sister of Joseph Brant, 
and mistress of Sir William Johnson. Lieut. Col. 
Stacia, who had been taken prisoner at Cherry Val- 
ley, was also at the fort. Molly Brant had, from 
some cause, a deadly hostility to him. She resorted 
to the Indian method of dreaming. Sbe informed 
Col. Butler that she dreamed she had the Yankee's 



220 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

head, and that she and tlic Indians were kicking it 
about the fort. Col. Butler ordered a small keg of 
rum to be painted and given to her. This for a short 
tune appeased her, but she dreamed the second time 
that she had the ^ Yankee's head, with his hat on, 
and she and the Indians were kicking it about the 
fort for a football. Col. Butler ordered another keg 
of rum to be given to her, and then told her, decided- 
ly, that Col. Stacia should not be given up to the In- 
dians. Apart from this circumstance, I know noth- 
ing disreputable of Molly Brant ; on the contrary, she 
appears to have had just views of her duties. She 
was careful of the education of her children, some of 
whom were respectably married. 

The Indians having been driven into Fort Niagara, 
Col. Butler was enabled to get from them all Mrs. 
Campbell's children. She was sent down to Mon- 
treal in June, 1780, a year after her arrival at the 
fort. Here she found Mrs. Butler and children, and 
one of her own sons, a child about seven years of 
age.* He had been with the Caughnawagas, a 
branch of the Mohawk tribe, settled in Canada. Mrs. 
Butler had taken "off his Indian dress, and had clad 
him in the green uniform of Col. Butler's Rangers. It 
was, however, only the appearance of the child which 
she had altered ; for he could speak nothing but the 



* James S. Campbell, Esq. was the second son of Col. Samuel 
Campbell, and is still living at Clicny Valley, on the oh] homestead 
which he inherited from his father. He has long since foj-gotteu the 
Indian tongue. Indeed, a=' he has often stated to me, he forgot it as 
readily as he learned it 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 221 

Mohawk tongue, having entirely forgotten the Eng- 
lish. Mrs. C. had not seen him since the day of their 
captivity at Cherry Valley. Though his habits had 
changed with his language, she rejoiced, for he had 
not forgotten her. 

At Montreal, several other prisoners were collect- 
ed, previous to their being exchanged. They were 
detained here several months waiting for their pass- 
ports. They repeatedly made inquiries of, and re- 
monstrated to Gen. Haldiman, the Governor. He 
said it was not in his power to grant them, but he 
would write to the commander-in-chief at Quebec ; 
which he accordingly did. The passports were soon 
after obtained, and the prisoners were sent to Crown 
Point, where a batteaux lay which had brought from 
the States several loyalist families. Before their ar- 
rival, a British vessel had come into the port from 
Canada, and the sailors commenced telling the peo- 
ple on the wharf, and in the other vessels, that expe- 
ditions were fitting out in Canada against Fort George 
and Fort Ann. The Americans in the batteau over- 
heard this conversation. When the prisoners left 
St. John's, the commander at that place WTOte 
to Crown Point, ordering the commander there 
to permit the batteau to return. This letter was to 
have been carried by them ; but by accident it was 
sent forward and reached Crown Point before they 
did, and the batteau immediately departed. They 
were then sent back to Port Affair and detained (here. 
They saw the expedition going down the lake, and 
though at that time they did not know that the sailors 
on board the battenu had overheard the conversation 



222 .BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

relative to it, yet they consoled themselves with the 
idea that they must have received some intimation of 
it, and would apprise the inhabitants. But the spies 
returned, saying all was silent and no attack was ap- 
prehended. Shortly after the batteau returned with 
another cargo of loyalist families. The batteaumen 
had given no intimation of the contemplated invasion. 
It was supposed they preferred the hard dollars which 
they received in pay for their labor, to the welfare of 
their country. They excused themselves by saying 
they considered it a sailor's story, and entitled to no 
credit. 

One party of Indians and Tories in this expedition 
was commanded by Captain Johnson, a brother of 
Guy Johnson, who, on account of his ferocious con- 
duct, was called '' Savage Johnson." When this ex- 
pedition returned, poles were erected in the sterns of 
the boats, from which were suspended the scalps of 
persons whom they had killed. According to the ac- 
count given by them, the number killed was about 
fifty. 

The prisoners were now sent down to Crown 
Point — the batteau was dismissed, and they passed 
the lake. In their passage they were the cause of 
alarm to the inhabitants who had so recently been 
visited. The men were clad in blanket coats, and 
some of the women wore red cloaks. A scout had 
discovered them on the lake, and taking them for a 
party of Indians and Tories, gave the alarm, and be- 
fore their arrival more than a thousand militia had 
collected, under Col. Ethan Allen. While stopping 
at a small fortress, eight mik\'5 from Cnstleton, it was 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 223 

announced that a flag was approaching. It was sup- 
posed to be sent to demand the surrender of the for- 
tress. Col. Herrick, of the militia, struck his sword 
upon the ground with such force that he broke it in 
pieces, saying it should not be surrendered. Col. Al- 
len told the prisoners that they should not again fall 
into the hands of the enemy, and immediately mount- 
ing them upon horseback, sent them off toward Alba- 
ny, with an escort of a hundred men. This flag was 
sent for the following reason. It had been rumored 
that the inhabitants in that section had said that 
if they were not protected from the incursions of the 
Indians and Tories, they would seek protection else- 
where. It is perhaps needless to add, that this flag 
was sent to ofTer them the protection of Great Britain, 
which was indignantly rejected. 

Shortly after her arrival at Albany, Mrs. Campbell 
was joined by Mr. Campbell, who had been in Fort 
Schuyler during most of the time since 1778. They 
removed up the river to where now is situated the 
village of West Troy. On the east side of the river 
there were but two houses, where is now situated the 
beautiful city of Troy. 

It was not until the spring of 1784, that they re- 
turned to Cherry Valley. They were now almost 
penniless, their lands had gone to waste, and were 
covered with underbush, and overrun with wild beasts. 
With a large family, and without a shelter, save a lit- 
tle log cabin, hastily put up, they felt for a time that 
their lot had been a hard one. But the consciousness 
that they had done their duty to their country, and 
that that country was now free, l^ore them up under 



224 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

their misfortunes. Toward the close of summer, Mr. 
C. had succeeded in erecting a comfortable log-house, 
and his farm began to assume again the aspect of cul- 
tivation. He received information that General Wash- 
ington and several other distinguished persons were 
passing up the Mohawk, and would visit Cherry 
Valley. When they arrived, he had no place, save 
his log-house, in which to receive them. But most of 
them had been accustomed to the camp, and dreaded 
no inconvenience from this source. General Wash- 
ington was accompanied by Gov. George Clinton, 
Gen. Hand, and many officers of the New York line. 
Gov. Clinton immediately inquired for Robert Shank- 
land, who had married a distant connection of his, 
and with whom he was acquainted. Before intro- 
ducing him, it may be well to give some account of 
this brave and hardy borderer. From the first he had 
espoused the colonial cause ; and being an Irishman 
by birth, maintained it with the characteristic warmth 
of his countrymen. He lived in a remote part of the 
town, but while the garrison Avas kept, he came al- 
most daily to inquire as to the state of affairs at home 
and abroad. He was accustomed to pass by the farm 
of a Mr. Coonrad, a townsman, whom he found 
always engaged in his usual farming business. Be- 
lieving that a man could not be a good Whig, who 
appeared so indifferent to what was doing in the coun- 
try, he one day accosted him. Armed, as was his 
custom, with a musket and a large basket-hilted 
sword, he drew up before him, when the following 
dialogue was held : " Mr. Coonrad, are you a 
Whig?" he asked, sternly. " Yes, Mr. Shankland 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 225 

I am as good a Whig- as you are." '' And why don't 
you arm yourself in defense of your country, as I do, 
then ?" Throwing up his musket and striking his 
hand upon his sword, he marched toward the fort, 
leaving Mr. Coonrad somewhat surprised at this, 
though not unusual, yet searching question. Mr. 
Coonrad was afterward an active partisan soldier. 

When Cherry Valley was destroyed, the house of 
Mr. Shankland, by renson of its remoteness, was not 
burned. He fled, how^ever, with his family to the 
Mohawk River. The following summer he returned 
with his son Thomas, a lad about fourteen years of 
age. They were awakened one morning a little be- 
fore daylight by a violent pounding at the door, with 
a demand of admittance, made in broken English. 
Mr. Shankland arose, and taking down his guns, di- 
rected his son to load them as fast as they should be 
discharged by him. Upon listening, he ascertained 
that the demand was made by Indians, who were en- 
deavoring to hew down the door with their toma- 
hawks. W^ith a spear in his hand he now carefully 
unbarred his door and charged upon them. Surprised 
by this sudden and unexpected attack, they fell back. 
One of the Indians whom he pursued in his retreat 
fell over a log which lay near the door and into which 
he struck his spear. He drew it back suddenly, when 
the blade parted from the handle and remained in the 
wood. He seized the blade in his hand and wrested 
it out, and then retreated into the house. Not a gun 
was fired nor a tomahaw^k thrown at him in this sortie. 
The Indians now commenced firing through the door 
and in the windows, which was returned by Mr. S., 



226 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK ; OR, 

llioiigh with no effect on the part of the Indians, and 
with little on his. One or two of the Indians were 
slightly wounded. His son, who was frightened, made 
his escape through the window, and ran toward the 
woods. He was discovered, pursued and taken. 
When Mr. S. learned from their shouts that this was 
the case, he determined to sally out again and sell his 
life as dearly as possible. But upon reflection, fearing 
it might endanger the life of his son, whom they 
might otherwise save alive, he concluded to remain 
and defend his house to the last. The Indians, who 
were few in number, finding themselves unable to 
effect an entrance into the house, hit upon another 
method of attack. The}^ gathered combustible ma- 
terials, and placing them at a side of the houte 
where there were no windows, and where they could 
not be annoyed by Mr. S., set fire to them. In a few 
minutes the whole side of the house was enveloped in 
flames. There was but one way of escape. He had 
sown a field of hemp, which came up to his house on 
one side, and luckily the side in which was the cellar 
door. The prospect of a successful defense being 
now over, he went into the cellar, and having gained 
the woods through the hemp, made his way to the Mo- 
hawk in safety. The Indians waited until the house 
was burned down, supposing him to have been burned 
in it, and then, raising their shout of victory, departed, 
taking their prisoner along with them into the western 
part of the State. 

When Mr. Shankland had been introduced to the 
company, he was requested to relate some of his ad- 
ventures, and the foregoing was apart of his narration. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 227 

He stood np in the centre of the little log-cabin, and 
so far as space would allow, '^ fought his battle o'er." 
His audience listened with great attention, though 
their faculties were occasionally excited by his drol- 
leries. Such a group would form no mean subject 
for the pencil. 

An object of some interest also to the party, was a 
gun which formerly belonged to Joseph Mayall, and 
the notice of which arose from the following circum- 
stance. Mayall lived in the town of Laurens, in the 
now count}^ of Otsego. Though an Englishman by 
birth, he had sided with the colonies. He had returned 
home during the summer, and was hunting, when he 
was accosted by three men, who requested him to 
pilot them a short distance down the Susquehanna to 
the fording place. He did so ; but the men, abusing 
his confidence, took his gun from him, and having 
taken off the lock returned it to him. They then in- 
formed him that he must accompany them to Canada. 
He remonstrated, saying that peace had been declared, 
and they had no right to detain him a prisoner. Find- 
ing argument unavailing he concluded to submit until 
an opportunity to escape should offer. When crossing 
a branch of the Susquehanna, the better to secure 
their prisoner, one of the men passed to the opposite 
side of the stream — one stationed himself in the mid- 
le, and one was to accompany Mayall. Seizing up- 
on this advantage, Mayall struck the man who was 
with him on the bank a violent blow with his gun, 
which felled him to the earth ; and then seizing quickly 
his gun, fired at and wounded the one in the stream. 
The third fired at, but missed Mayall, and then fled. 



228 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

Mayall returned and came to Cherry Valley, bringing 
the guns of the two men, together with his own, 
which he deposited with Mr. Campbell. Mayall was 
a stout, athletic man, and the barrel of his gun was 
bent almost to a semicircle by the violence of the blow. 

The ensuing morning, Gov. Clinton, seeing several 
boys, inquired of Mrs. C. how many children slie had : 
having told him, he added, " they will make fine sol- 
diers in time." She replied, '' she hoped her country 
would never need their services." '' I hope so too, 
madam," said Gen. Washington, ^' for I have seen 
enough of war." They visited Otsego Lake and outlet, 
where Gen. Sullivan threw a dam across, and afterward 
passed down to join Gen. Sullivan. The following 
letter was written by Gen. Washington to the Marquis 
of Chastelleux, a foreigner who was in pursuit of lit- 
erary and military fame. 

" I have lately made a tour through the lakes 
George and Champlain as far as Crown Point, then 
returning to Schenectady I proceeded up the Mohawk 
River to Fort Schuyler, crossed over to Wood Creek, 
which empties into the Oneida Lake, and affords the 
water communication with Ontario. I then traversed 
the country to the head of the eastern branch of the 
Susquehanna, and viewed the Lake Otsego and the 
portage between tliat lake and the Mohawk River at 
Canajoharie. Prompted bythese actual observations, I 
could not help taking a more contemplative and exten- 
sive view of the vast inland navigation of these United 
States, and could not but be struck with the immense 
diffusion and importance of it, and with the goodness 
of that Providence w4iich has dealt his favors to us 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 229 

with so profuse a hand. Would to God we may have 
wisdom enough to improve them. I shall not rest 
contented until I have explored the western country, 
and traversed those lines (or great part of them) which 
have given bounds to a new empire." 

At the close of the war most of the surviving inhab- 
itants of Cherry Valley, and of the valley of the Mo- 
hawk, returned to their former homes.* Many of 
them had been scattered in different provinces and 
along the sea-board. The places of some were not 
occupied, and many a tear was shed as their friends 
lamented their death, 

" Recalling with a sigh 



Dim recollected pleasures of the days of youth, 
And early love." 

Many of the soldiers who were at the close of the 
war without homes, and who had been stationed along 
the frontier, returned and settled upon the places of 
their former trials and sufferings. The fertility of the 
western part of the State had been discovered by Sul- 
livan's expedition. These and other subsequent cir- 
cumstances produced a tide of emigration to the west, 
which has not yet ceased to flow, which still pours on 
its flood into the far unbroken wilderness. Who that 
looked upon central and w^estern New York then, 
would have dreamed of its sudden growth and pros- 

*0n the 4th day of July, 1840, the inliabitants of Cherry Valley 
celebrated the anniversary of the one hundredth year of their settlement- 
The centennial discom-se of the author will be found in the Appendix ; 
and with it the writer feels that he has done with the history of his native 
town. The men of other generations must continue it. 



230 BORDER WARFARE OF NEW YORK; OR, 

perity — that in fifty years it would teem with more 
than a million of inhabitants, rich in education, rich 
in morals, rich" in enterprise, both civil and religious, 
in all that adorns a State ! When however I look 
over this land, the domain of the once proud and 
noble Iroquois, and remember how in the days of 
their glory they defended this infant colony from the 
ravages of the French, and contrast their former state, 
numerous, powerful, and respected, with their present 
condition, I feel almost disposed to blot out the record 
which I have made of their subsequent cruelties. 
They are passing away from among us, without leav- 
ing upon the land which they inhabited any memen- 
toes of their greatness. No Brant has written the his- 
tory of the Six Nations, and left for our perusal '^ the 
story of their wrongs." 

" Their yell of vengeance "was their trump of fame, 
Their monument, a grave without a name." 

I here close this little sketch of our border warfare. 
Every person will readily perceive how difficult it is 
to collect materials for even such a sketch, where the 
few tattered and moth-eaten documents are to be 
sought for among many persons, and when the au- 
thenticity of many events, long gone by, rests upon 
the frail basis of human memory. It is very possible, 
therefore, yea, very probable, there are omissions, per- . 
haps errors, in this volume of Annals. I shall be sat- 
isfied, however, if I shall have succeeded in rescuing 
from oblivion any materials, however few or small, 
which shall be useful and important for the future his- 
torian of this State ; for that architect whose lot it shall 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 231 

be to rear a monument more durable than those of 
stone — '^ that loftier monument on which, not the 
rays of the setting sun, but the rays of a nation's 
glory, as long as letters shall endure, will continue to 
' play and linger on its summit.' " 

Since 1776, revolution has followed revolution ; but 
however splendid in their commencement, or success- 
ful in their termination, in the eye of the American, 
they eclipse not that which terminated in his country's 
independence. Far from becoming stale, it increases 
in interest as we recede from it. As our numbers and 
resources increase, we wonder that so much was done ; 
and when the few remnants of those times shall be 
gathered to their companions in peace, we shall regret 
but too late that we had not honored them more. 



[ - 



APPENDIX 



11 



APPENDIX 



Note A. 



*' The most remarkable difference existed between 
the confederates and the other Indian nations with 
respect to eloquence. You may search in vain in the 
records and writings of the past, or in events of the 
present times, for a single model of eloquence among 
the Algonkins, the Abenaquis, the Delawares, the 
Shawanese, or any other nation of Indians, except 
the Iroquois. The few scintillations of intellectual 
light; the faint glimmerings of genius, which are 
sometimes to be found in their speeches, are evidently 
derivative, and borrowed from the confederates." 



Speech of the Mohawk Chiefs to the Magistrates of AU 
hamjj on the 26th of March ^ 1689-90, after the 
destruction of Schenectady. 

*' Brethren f — The murder of our brethren at 
Schenectady by the French, grieves us as much as if 



236 APPENDIX TO 

it had been done to ourselves, for we are in the same 
chain ; and no doubt our brethren of New England 
will be likewise sadly affected with this cruel action 
of the French. The French on this occasion have 
not acted like brave men, but like thieves and rob- 
bers. Be not therefore discouraged. We give this 
belt to wipe away your tears. 

'^ Brethren ! — We lament the death of so many of 
our brethren, whose blood has been shed at Schenec- 
tady. We don't think that what the French have 
done can be called a victory ; it is only a farther proof 
of their cruel deceit. The governor of Canada sends 
to Onondaga, and talks to us of peace with our whole 
house, but war was in his heart, as you may now see 
by woful experience. He did the same formerly at 
Cadarackui, and in the Senecas country. This is the 
third time he has acted so deceitfully. He has broken 
open our house at both ends, formerly in the Senecas 
country, and now here. We hope, however, to be 
revenged of them. One hundred of our bravest 
young men are in pursuit of them ; they are brisk 
fellows, and they will follow the French to their 
doors. We will beset them so closely, that not a man 
in Canada shall dare to step out of doors to cut a stick 
of wood ; but now we gather up our dead to bury 
them by this second belt. 

*' Brethren ! — We came from our castles with tears 
in our eyes, to bemoan the blood shed at Schenectady 
by the perfidious French. While we bury our dead 
murdered at Schenectady, we know not what may 
have befallen our own people that are in pursuit of 
the enemy; tl.ey n.ay be dead. What has befallen 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 237 

you may happen to us ; and therefore, we come to 
bury our brethren at Schenectady with this third 
belt. 

'^ Great and sudden is the mischief, as if it had 
fallen from Heaven upon us. Our forefathers taught 
us to go with all speed to bemoan and lament with 
our brethren, when any disaster or misfortune hap- 
pens to any in our chain. Take this belt of vigilance, 
that you may be more watchful for the future. We 
give our brethren eye-water to make them sharp- 
sighted. (Giving a fourth belt.) 

" We now come to the house where we usually 
renew the chain; but alas! we find the house pollu- 
ted with blood. All the Five Nations have heard of 
this, and we are come to wipe away the blood, and 
clean the house. We come to invite Corlear, and 
every one of you, and Quider, (calling to every one 
of the principal men present by their names,) to be 
revenged of the enemy, by this fifth belt. 

'' Brethren ! — Be not discouraged ; we are strong 
enough. This is the beginning of your war, and the 
whole house have their eyes fixed upon you at this 
time, to observe your behavior. They wait your mo- 
tion, and are ready to join in any resolute measures. 

*' Our chain is a strong chain ; it is a silver chain ; 
it can neither rust nor be broken. We, as to our parts, 
are resolute to continue the war. 

^' We will never desist, so long as a man of us re- 
mains. Take heart; do not pack up and go away;* 



* This was spoken to the English, who were about removing from 
Albany. 



238 APPENDIX TO 

this will give heart to a dastardly enemy. We 
are of the race of the bear ; and a bear, you know, 
never yields, while one drop of blood is left. We 
must all be bears. (Giving a sixth belt.) 

'' Brethren ! — Be patient; this disaster is an afflic- 
tion which has fallen from heaven upon us. The 
sun, which hath been cloudy, and sent this disaster, 
will shine again with its pleasant beams. Take 
courage, courage. (Repeating the word several times 
as they gave a seventh belt.) 

{To the English.) 

'^ Brethren ! — Three years ago we were engaged 
in a bloody war with the French, and you encouraged 
us to proceed in it. Our success answered our expect- 
ation ; but we were not well begun, when Corlear 
sfopped us from going on. Had you permitted us to 
go on, the French would not now have been able to 
do us the mischief they have done ; we would have 
prevented their sowing, planting, or reaping. 

'' We would have humbled them effectually, but 
now we die. The obstructions you then made now 
ruin us. Let us after this be steady, and take no such 
false measures for the future, but prosecute the war 
vigorously. (Giving a beaver skin.) 

*' The brethren must keep good watch, and if the 
enemy come again, send more speedily to us. Don't 
desert Schenectady. The enemy will glory in seeing 
it desolate. It will give them courage that had none 
before. Fortify the place ; it is not v/ell fortified 
now ; the stockadoes are too short ; the Indians can 
jump over them. (Gave a beaver skin.) 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 239 

" Brethren / — The mischief done at Schenectady 
cannot be helped now ; but for the future, when the 
enemy appears any where, let nothing hinder your 
sending to us by expresses, and fire great guns, that 
all may be alarmed. We advise you to bring all the 
River Indians under your subjection, to live near Al- 
bany, to be ready on all occasions. 

*'Send to New England; tell them what has hap- 
pened to you. They will undoubtedly awake, and 
lend us their helping hand. It is their interest, as 
much as ours, to push the war to a speedy conclusion. 
Be not discouraged ; the French are not so numerous 
as some people talk. If we but heartily unite to push 
on the war, and mind our business, the French will 
soon be subdued." 

The magistrates having returned an answer on the 
twenty-seventh, to the satisfaction of the Indians, 
they repeated it all over, word by word, to let the 
magistrates see how carefully they minded, and then 
added — 

'^ Brethren ! — We are glad to find you are not dis- 
couraged. The best and wisest men sometimes make 
mistakes. Let us now pursue the war vigorously. 
We have a hundred men out ; they are good scouts. 
We expect to meet all the sachems of the other na- 
tions, as they come to condole with you. You need 
not fear our being ready at the first notice. Our axe 
is always in our hands ; but take care that you be 
timely ready. Your ships, that must do the principal 
work, are long a fitting out. We do not design 
to go out with a small company, or in skulking par- 
ties ; but as soon as the nations can meet, we shall 



240 APPENDIX TO 

be ready with our whole force. If you would bring 
this war to a happy issue you must begin soon — before 
the French can recover the losses they have received 
from us, and get new vigor and life ; therefore send 
in all haste to New England. Neither you nor we 
can continue long in the condition we are now in ; 
we must order matters so that the French be kept in 
continual fear and alarm at home ; for this is the only 
way to be secure, and in peace here. 

''The Scatikok Indians, in our opinion, are well 
placed where they are, (to the northward of Albany ;) 
they are a good out-guard ; they are our children, and 
we must take care that they do their duty : but you 
must take care of the Indians below the town ; place 
them near the town, so as they may be of more ser- 
vice to you." 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 241 



Note B. 



SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON. 

A CONSIDERABLE part of the following sketch of the 
life of Sir William Johnson is taken from the travels 
of Dr. Dwight. In the main, it is believed to be cor- 
rect, though perhaps he has not done him justice in the 
remarks which he makes relative to his command at 
Lake George. He is supported, however, by an arti- 
cle supposed to have been written by Gov. Livingston, 
and published in the seventh volume of the Collec- 
tions of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

'' The sight of Sir William Johnson's mansion, in 
this vicinity, awakened in my mind a variety of inter- 
esting reflections. This gentleixian was born in Ire- 
land, about the year 1714. Sir Peter Warren having 
married an American lady, purchased a large estate 
on and near the Mohawk. In the year 1734 he sent 
for Mr. Johnson, who was his nephew, to come and 
superintend the property. To fulfill the duties of the 
commission Mr. Johnson seated himself in this spot — 
here he became, of course, extensively acquainted 
with the Six Nations. He studied their character, and 
acquired their language ; carried on an extensive 
trade with them, and by a course of sagacious mea- 
11* 



242 APPENDIX TO 

sures made himself so agreeable and useful to them, 
that for many years he possessed an influence over 
them, such as was never gained by any other white 
man. 

" His constitution was unusually firm, and his 
mind hardy, coarse and vigorous. Unsusceptible of 
those delicate feelings by which minds of a softer 
mould are in a great measure governed, destitute of 
those refined attachments v/hich are derived from a 
correspondence with elegant society, and unconfined 
by those moral restraints which bridle men of tender 
consciences, he here saw the path open to wealth and 
distinction, and determined to make the utmost of 
his opportunity. In troublesome times, an active, 
ambitious man hardly ever fails to acquire some de- 
gree of consequence. Such were the times in which 
Mr. Johnson resided at this place, and so persevering 
and successful was he in turning them to his advan- 
tage, that he rose from the station of a common sol- 
dier to the command of an army, and from the class 
of yeomen to the title of baronet. 

'^ In the year 1757 he led the provincial army to 
Lake George, where was achieved the first victory 
gained on the British side in the war commencing at 
that period. For this victory, toward which he did 
little more than barely hold the place of commander- 
in-chief, he received from the House of Commons 
^£5,000 sterling, and from the King the title of baro- 
net and the office of superintendent of Indian affairs. 

*' In the year 1759, being at the head of the pro- 
vincial troops employed under Brigadier Gen. Pri- 
deaux to besiege Fort Niagara, he became, upon the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 243 

death of that officer, commander-in-chief of the whole 
army, and directed the siege with activity and skill. 
On the 24th of July a body of French and Indian 
assailants approached to raise the siege ; Sir William 
marched out to meet them and gained a complete 
victory. The next morning the fort itself surrender- 
ed, and the garrison were made prisoners of war. 

'^ In 1760 he led 1000 Iroquois to join the army of 
Gen. Amherst at Oswego. With this body he pro- 
ceeded under the command of that illustrious man to 
Montreal. Here he concluded his military career 
with honor, being present and active in a distinguished 
station at the surrender of Canada. 

" The services which he rendered to the British 
colonists were important, and will be long as well as 
deservedly remembered. The property which he 
amassed here was very great. At the time when he 
came into America a considerable part of the culti- 
vated, and much of the uncultivated land in the prov- 
ince of New York, was divided into large manorial 
possessions, obtained successively from the govern- 
ment by men of superior sagacity and influence. Sir 
William followed the custom of the country, and by 
a succession of ingenious and industrious exertions 
secured to himself vast tracts of valuable land.* 

* The following story of Sir Vv'^illiam's ingenuity has been frequently 
related. Old King Hendrick, of the Mohawks, was at his house at the 
time Bir WUliam received two or three rich suits of military clothes. 
The old king, a short time afterward, came to Sir WilUiam and said : 
" I dream." " Well, what did you dream ?" " I dream you give me 
one suit of clothes." " Well, I suppose you must have it," and ac- 
cordingly he gave him one. Some time after Sir William met Hen- 



244 APPENDIX TO 

" As these were always exposed to French and In- 
dian incursions, thev w^ere obtained for trifling sums, 

drick, and said, " I dreamed last night." " Did you ; -what you dream ?" 
"I dreamed you gave rae a tract of land," describing it. After a 
pause, " I suppose you must have it, but," and he raised his finger sig- 
nificantly, " you must not dream again." This tract of land extended 
from the East to West Canada Creek, in the now county of Herkimer, 
and was about twelve miles square. The title was afterward con- 
firmed by the King of England, and it was justly called the "Royal 
Grant." 

Old King Hendrick, or as he was sometimes called, the great Hen- 
drick, lived in the now town of Minden in Herkimer County, and near 
the upper Mohawk castle. " The site of his house," says Dr. Dwight, 
"is a handsome elevation, commanding a considerable prospect of the 
neighboring country. It will be sufficient to observe here, that for 
capacity, bravery, vigor of mind, and immovable integrity united, he 
excelled all the Aboriginal inhabitants of the United States of whom 
any knowledge has come down to the present time. A gentlemtm of 
a very respectable character, who was present at a council held with 
the Six Nations, by the Governor of New York, and several agents of 
distinction from New England, informed me that his figure and counte- 
nance were singularly impressive and commanding ; that his eloquence 
was of the same superior character, and that he appeared as if born to 
con rol other men, and possessed an air of majesty unrivalled within 
his knowledge." In the French wars he led forth his Mohawk warri- 
ors and fought side by side with Sir William Johnson. Through all 
the intrigues of the French he remained faithful to his alliance. He 
was also highly esteemed by the white inhabitants. During some of 
the negotiations with the Indians of Pennsylvania and the inhabitants 
of that state, Hendrick was present at Philadelphia. His likeness 
•was taken, and a wax figure afterward made, which was a very good 
imitation. After the death of Hendrick, an old friend, a white man, 
visited Philadelphia, and among other things was shown this wax 
figure. It occupied a niche, and was not observed by him until he 
had approached within a few feet. The friendship of former days 
came fresh over his memory, and forgetting for the moment Hendrick's 
death, he rushed forward and clasped in lii<» nrnis the frail, icy image 
of the chieftain. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. £45 

being considered by most men as of very little value. 
In consequence of the peace of Paps, and the subse- 
quent increase of the settlements in the province, 
they rose, as he had foreseen, from being of little 
value to such a price as to constitute an immense for- 
tune. 

*' By Lady Johnson he had three children ; two 
daughters, one married to CoL Claus, the other to 
Col. Guy Johnson, and a son afterward, Sir John 
Johnson. Of the first of these gentlemen I have no 
further information. The two last took the British 
side of the question in the Revolutionary war. 

^' Sir William built a house at the village of Johns- 
town, where he chiefly lived during the latter part of 
his life. The house which he built on this road 
(along the Mohawk River) was occupied by Sir John. 
Colonel Guy Johnson built a house on the opposite 
side of the road a little further down the river. Here 
these men lived, essentially in the rank, and with not 
a small part of the splendor of noblemen. But when 
they joined the British standard their property van- 
ished in a moment, and with it their consequence, 
their enjoyments, and probably their hopes." 

Many accounts are still given of the rustic sports 
encouraged by Sir William, and of the influence which 
he exerted over the Indians and white inhabitants. 
He died July 11th, 1774, aged 59 years. There is 
something still mysterious connected with his death. 
He had been out to England, and returned the pre- 
vious spring. During a visit which he made shortly 
after to Mr. Campbell, an intimate friend of his at 
Schenectady, the conversation turned upon the sub- 



246 APPENDIX TO 

ject of the disputes between the colonies and the 
mother country. He then said he should never live to 
see them in a state of open war. At a court held in 
Johnstown for Tryon County, he received a foreign 
package. He was in the court-house when it was 
handed him. He immediately left the house and 
walked over to the Hall. This package was after- 
ward understood to have contained instructions to him 
to use his influence in engaging the Indians in favor 
of England, in case a war should break out. If such 
were the instructions to Sir William, his situation was 
indeed trying. On the one side was the English 
government, which had so highly honored and en- 
riched him, and on the other his own adopted country, 
whose armies he had led to victory, with many warm 
personal friends who entertained a great respect for 
him, and who had fought by his side during the pre- 
vious wars. A spirit like his could not but have fore- 
seen the dreadful consequences of employing such a 
a force as the Indians in such a war. His death 
followed immediately before the rising of the court. 
Rumor said he died by poison, administered by him- 
self; but perhaps extreme excitement of mind thus 
suddenly put an end to a life already protracted to a 
middling old age. He was buried under the old stone 
church at Johnstown. His bones were taken up in 
1808, and redeposited. In the coffin was found the 
ball with which he was wounded at Lake George, 
which had never been extracted, and which ever after 
occasioned lameness. His most valuable papers, in- 
chiding his will, (said to he a very singular document,) 
were buried in an iron chest in his garden, where 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 247 

they were much injured by the dampness of the 
earth. They were taken away by his son, Sir John, 
during the war. 



248 APPENDIX TO 



Note C. 

SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF* 
JOSEPH BRANT. 

Joseph Brant, whose name has so often been men- 
tioned in the foregoing pages, was a Mohawk sachem, 
of great celebrity and influence in his tribe. The 
time of his birth I do not know. In July, 1761, he 
was sent, by Sir William Johnson, to the " Moor's 
Charity School," at Lebanon, Connecticut, established 
by the Rev. Dr. Wheelock, which was afterward 
removed to Hanover, and became the foundation of 
Dartmouth College. The following mention of him 
is made in the memoirs of that gentleman : 

" Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs in North America, was very friendly to the 
design of Mr. Wheelock, and, at his request, sent to 
the school, at various times, several boys of the Mo- 
hawks to be instructed. One of them was the since 
celebrated Joseph Brant; who, after receiving his 
education, was particularly noticed by Sir William 
Johnson, and employed by him in public business. 
He has been very useful in advancing the civilization 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 249 

of his countrymen, and for a long time past has been 
a military officer of extensive influence among the 
Indians in Upper Canada.'' 

In confirmation of one of the statements in the 
above notice, it may be here added, that in 1787 he 
translated the book of Mark into the Mohawk tongue ; 
and, as is mentioned in the letter hereafter inserted, 
contemplated writing a history of the Six Nations. 

The movements of Brant during the war have been 
detailed, at considerable length, in the foregoing his- - 
torical sketch of Tryon County. Combining the nat- 
ural sagacity of the Indian with the skill and science 
of the civilized man, he was a formidable foe. He 
was a dreadful terror to the frontiers. His passions 
were strong. In his intercourse he was affable and 
polite, and communicated freely relative to his con- 
duct. He often said that during the war he had killed 
but one man in cold blood, and that act he ever after 
regretted. He said he had taken a man prisoner, 
and was examining him; the prisoner hesitated, and, 
as he thought, equivocated. Enraged at what he 
considered obstinacy, he struck him down. It turned 
out that the man's apparent obstinacy arose from a 
natural hesitancy of speech. 

The following is the account, given by an European 
traveller, Mr. Weld, which is alluded to in the letter 
of Thomas Campbell. <^ With a considerable body 
of his troops, he joined the forces under the command 
of Sir John Johnson. A skirmish took place with a 
body of American troops ; the action was warm, and 
Brant was shot by a musket ball in his heel, but the 
Americans in the end were defeated, and an officer. 



250 APPENDIX TO 

with sixty men, were taken prisoners. The officer, 
after having delivered up his sword, had entered into 
conversation with Sir John Johnson, who commanded 
the British troops, and they were talking together in 
the most friendly manner, when Brant, having stolen 
slily behind them, laid the American officer low with 
a blow of his tomahawk. The indignation of Sir 
John Johnson, as may be readily supposed, was 
roused by such an act of treachery, and he resented 
it in the warmest terms. Brant listened to him un- 
concernedly, and when he had finished, told him, 
that he was sorry for his displeasure, but that indeed 
his heel was extremely painful at the moment, and 
he could not help revenging himself on the only chief 
of the party that he saw taken. Since he had killed 
the officer, he added, his heel was much less painful 
to him than it had been before." There were doubt- 
less some grounds for such statements as that above ; 
though probably very much exaggerated. I have 
heard a story somewhat similar told of him, but it 
was said that the officer was killed to prevent his 
being retaken by the Americans, who were in pursuit 
of the Indians. In the retreat he would not keep up 
with them. 

Brant stated, and it is believed to be true, that on 
the morning of the day on which Cherry Valley was 
destroyed, he left the main body of the enemy, and, 
by a different route, endeavored to arrive tirst at the 
house of Mr. Wells, for the purpose of protecting the 
family; but that he found on his route, and a little 
way from the house, a large ploughed field to cross, 
which hindered him, so that he did not arrive until it 
was too late. 



ANNALS OF TKYON COUNTY. 251 

In person, Brant was about the middling size, of a 
square, stout build, fitted rather for enduring hardships 
than for quick movements. His complexion was 
li^;hter than that of most of the Indians, which result- 
ed, perhaps, from his less exposed manner of living. 
This circumstance, probably, gave rise to a statement, 
wliich has been often repeated, that he was of mixed 
origin. He was married in the winter of 1779 to a 
daughter of Col. Croghan by an Indian woman. The 
circumstances of his marriage are somewhat singular. 
He was present at the wedding of Miss Moore from 
Cherry Valley, who had been carried away a prisoner, 
and who married an officer of the garrison at Fort 
Niagara. 

Brant had lived with his wife for some time previ- 
ous, according to the Indian custom, without mar- 
riage ; but now insisted that the marriage ceremony 
should be performed. This was accordingly done by 
Col. Butler, who was still considered a magistrate. 
After the war he removed, with his nation, to Can- 
ada. There he was employed in transacting impor- 
tant business for his tribe. He went out to England, 
after the war, and was honorably received there. He 
died about ten or fifteen years since, at Brantford, 
Haldiman County, Upper Canada, where his family 
now reside. One of his sons, a very intelligent man, 
has been returned to the Colonial Assembly. This 
son, a few years since, when in London, in company 
with Capt. Robert Carr, a grandson of Sir William 
Johnson, laid before Thomas Campbell written docu- 
ments, which changed Mr. Campbell's opinion of his 
father, and led to an eocpose of his views, in a letter 
to him. 



252 APPENDIX TO 

For the correct understanding of the following let- 
ter, by those who have not read that beautiful poem, 
'^ Gertrude of Wyoming," (if there are any such,) and 
who may not have a copy at hand, I will insert the 
objectionable stanzas — one of them has already been 
given in part. The speech is that of an Oneida chief, 
who is made to say, immediately preceding the bat- 
tle or massacre at Wyoming : 

" But this is not a time — he started up, 
And smote his breast with wo-denouncing hand — 
This is no time to fill the joyous cup ; 
The mammoth comes — the foe — the monster, Brant, 
With all his ho-wling, desolating band ; 
These eyes have seen their blade, and burning pine; 
Awake at once, and silence half your land. 
Red is the cup they drink ; but not with wine : 
Awake, and watch to-night, or see no morning shine. 

" Scorning to wield the hatchet for his tribe, 
'Gainst Brant himself I went to battle forth : 
Accm'sed Brant ! he left of all my tribe 
Nor man, nor child, nor thing of living birth : 
!N"o ! not the dog that watched my household hearth, 
Escaped that night of blood upon our plains : 
All perished ! I alone am left on earth ! 
To whom nor relative, nor blood remains — 
[ "No, not a kindi-ed drop that runs in human veins." 



Letter to the Mohawk Chiefs Ahyonwaeghs^ commonly 
called John Brant, Esq. of the Grand River, Upper 
Canada, from Thomas Campbell, 

^' London, January 20, 1822. 
'^ Sir, 
*' Ten days ago I was not aware that such a person 
existed as the son of the Indian leader. Brant, who is 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 253 

mentioned in my poem, ^' Gertrude of Wyoming." 
Last week, however, Mr. S. Bannister, of Lincoln's 
Inn, called to inform me of your being in London, 
and of your having documents in your possession 
which he believed would change my opinion of your 
father's memory, and induce me to do it justice. Mr. 
Bannister distinctly assured me that no declaration of 
my sentiments on the subject was desired, but such 
as should spontaneously flow from my own judgment 
of the papers that were to be submitted to me. 

'' I could not be deaf to such an appeal. It was 
my duty to inspect the justification of a man* whose 
memory I had reprobated, and I felt a satisfaction at 
the prospect of his character being redressed, which 
was not likely to have been felt by one who had wil- 
lingly wronged it. As far as any intention to wound 
the feelings of the living was concerned, I really knew 
not, when I wrote my poem, that the son and daugh- 
ter of an Indian chief were ever likely to peruse it, or 
be affected by its contents ; and I have observed 
most persons to whom I have mentioned the circum- 
stance of your appeal to me, smile with the same sur- 
prise which I experienced on first receiving it. With 
regard to your father's character, I took it as I found 
it in popular history. Among the documents in his 
favor, I own that you have shown me one which I 
regret that I never saw before, though I might have 
seen it ; viz. the Duke of Rochefoucault's honorable 
mention of the chief in his travels.* Without mean- 



* The following testimony is borne to his fair name by Rochefou- 
cault, vrhose ability and means of forming a correct judgment will not 



254 APPENDIX TO 

ing, however, in the least to invalidate that noble- 
man's respectable authority, I must say, that even if 
I had met with it, it would have still offered only a 
general and presumptive vindication of your father, 
and not such a specific one as I now recognize. On the 
other hand, judge how naturally I adopted accusations 
against him which had stood in the Annual Register 
of 1779, as far as I knew, uncontradicted, for thirty 
years. A number of authors had repeated them with 
a confidence which beguiled at last my suspicion, and 
I believe that of the public at large. Among these 
authors were Gordon, Ramsay, Marshall, Belsham, 
and Weld. The most of them, you may tell me, 
perhaps, wrote with zeal against the American war. 
Weil, but Mr. John Adolphus was never suspected of 
any such zeal, and yet he had said in his history of 
England, &c. (Vol. Ill, p. 110,) ' a force of sixteen 
hundred savages and Americans in disguise, headed 
by an Indian, Col. Butler, and a half-Indian of extra- 
ordinary ferocity, named Brant, lulling the fears of 



be denied. " Colonel Brant is an Indian by birth. In the American 
war he fought under the English banner, and he has since been in 
England, where he was most graciously received by the king, and met 
with a kind reception from all classes of people. His manners are 
eemi-European. He is attended by two negroes ; has estabHshed him- 
self in the English way ; has a garden and a farm ; dresses after the 
European fasliion, and, nevertheless, possesses much influence over the 
Indians. He assists at present (1V95) at the Miami treaty, which the 
United States are concluding with the western Indians. He is also 
much respected by the Americans ; and, in general, bears so excellent 
a name, that I regret I could not see and become acquainted with 
him." — RochefoucauU" i Travels in North America. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 255 

the inhabitants (of Wyoming) by treachery, suddenly 
possessed themselves of two forts and massacred the 
garrison.' He says farther, ^ that all were involved 
in unsparing slaughter, and that even the devices of 
torment were exhausted.' He possessed, if I possessed 
them, the means of consulting better authorities ; yet 
he has never, to my knowledge, made any atonement 
to your father's memory. When your Canadian 
friends, therefore, call me to trial for having defamed 
the warrior Brant, I beg that Mr. John Adolphus may 
be also included in the summons. And, after his own 
defense and acquittal, I think he is bound, having 
been one of my historical misleaders, to stand up as 
my gratuitous counsel, and say — ' Gentlemen, you 
must acquit my client, for he has only fallen into an 
error which even my judgment could not escape.' 

'' In short, I imbibed my conception of your father 
from accounts of him that were published when I 
was scarcely out of my cradle. And if there were 
any public, direct, and specific challenge to those ac- 
counts in England, ten years ago, I am yet to learn 
where they existed. 

" I rose from perusing the papers you submitted to 
me, certainly with an altered impression of his charac- 
ter. I find that the unfavorable accounts of him were 
erroneous, even on points not immediately connected 
with his reputation. It turns out, for instance, that he 
was a Mohawk Indian, of unmixed parentage. This 
circumstance, however, ought not to be overlooked 
in estimating the merits of his attainments. He spoke 
and wrote our language with force and facility, and 
had enlarged views of the union and policy of the In- 



256 APPENDIX TO 

dian tribes. A gentleman who had been in America, 
and from whom I sought information respecting him 
in consequence of your interesting message, told me, 
that though he could not pretend to appreciate his 
character entirely, he had been struck by the naivete 
and eloquence of his conversation. They had talked 
of music, and Brant said, ' I like the harpsichord well, 
and the organ still better ; but I like the drum and 
trumpet best of all, for they make my heart beat 
quick.' This gentleman also described to me the 
enthusiasm with which he spoke of written records. 
Brant projected at that time to have written a history 
of the Six Nations. The genius of history should be 
rather partial to such a man. 

'^ I find that when he came to England, after the 
peace of 1783, the most distinguished individuals of 
all parties and professions treated him with the utmost 
kindness. Among these were the late Bishop of Lon- 
don, the late Duke of Northumberland, and Charles 
Fox. Lord Rawdon, now Marquis of Hastings, gave 
him his picture. This circumstance argues recom- 
mendations from America founded in personal friend- 
ship. In Canada the memorials of his moral charac- 
ter represent it as naturally ingenuous and generous. 
The evidence afforded induces me to believe that he 
often strove to mitigate the cruelty of Indian warfare. 

'^Lastly, you affirm that he was not within many 
miles of the spot when the battle which decided the 
fate of Wyoming took place, and from your offer of 
reference to living witnesses, I cannot but admit the 
assertion. Had I learned all this of your father when 
I was writing my poem, he should not have figured 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 257 

in it as the hero of mischief. I cannot, indeed, an- 
swer by anticipation what the writers who have either 
to retract or defend what they may have said about 
him, may have to allege; I can only say that my 
own opinion about him is changed. I am now in- 
clined exceedingly to doubt Mr. Weld's anecdote, and 
for this reason : Brant was not only trusted, consulted, 
and distinguished by several eminent British officers 
in America, but personally beloved by them. 

'' Now I could conceive men in power, for defensi- 
ble reasons of state politics, to have officially trust- 
ed, and even publicly distinguished at courts or 
levees, an active and sagacious Indian chief, of whose 
private character they might nevertheless still enter- 
tain a very indifferent opinion. But I cannot imagine 
high-minded and high-bred British officers, forming 
individual and fond friendship for a man of ferocious 
character. It comes within my express knowledge 
that the late Gen. Sir Charles Stuart, fourth son of 
the Earl of Bute, the father of our present ambassador 
at Paris, the officer who took Minorca and Calvi, and 
who commanded our army in Portugal, knew your 
father in America, often slept under the same tent 
with him, and had the warmest regard for him. It 
seems but charity to suppose the man who attracted 
the esteem of Lord Rawdon and Gen. Stuart, to have 
possessed amiable qualities, so that I believe you 
when you affirm that he was merciful as brave. And 
now I leave the world to judge whether the change 
of opinion, with which I am touched, arises from false 
delicacy and flexibility of mind, or from a sense of 
honor and justice. 

12 



258 APPENDIX TO 

^' Here, properly speaking, ends my reckoning with 
you about your father's memory ; but, as the Cana- 
dian newspapers have made some remarks on the sub- 
ject of Wyoming, with which I cannot fully coincide, 
and as this letter will probably be read in Canada, I 
cannot conclude it without a few more words, in case 
my silence would seem to admit of propositions which 
are rather beyond the stretch of my creed. I will 
not, however, give any plain truths which I have to 
offer to the Canadian writers, the slightest seasonings 
of bitterness, for they have alluded to me, on the 
whole, in a friendly and liberal tone. But when 
they regret my departure from historical truth, I join 
in their regret only in as far as I have unconsciously 
misunderstood the character of Brant, and the share 
of the Indians in the transaction, which I have now 
reason to suspect, was much less than that of the 
white men. In other circumstances, I took the liberty 
of a versifier, to run away from fact into fancy, like 
a school-boy, who never dreams that he is a truant 
when he rambles on a holyday from school. It seems, 
however, that I falselj'- represented Wyoming to have 
been a terrestrial paradise. It was not so, say the 
Canadian papers, because it contained a great number 
of Tories ; and undoubtedly that cause goes far to ac- 
count for the fact. Earthly paradises, however, are 
but earthly things, and Tempe and Arcadia may have 
had their drawbacks on happiness as well as Wyo- 
ming. I must, nevertheless, still believe that it w^as a 
flourishing colony, and that its destruction furnished 
a just warning to human beings against war and re- 
venge. But the whole catastrophe is affirmed in a 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTS. 2^0 

Canadian newspaper to have been nothing more than 
a fair battle. If this be the fact, let accredited signa- 
tures come forward to attest it, and vindicate the in- 
nocence and honorableness of the whole transaction, 
as your father's character has been vidicated. An 
error about him by no means proves the whole ac- 
count of the business to be a fiction. Who would not 
wish its atrocities to be disproved? But who can 
think it disproved by a single defender, who writes 
anonymously, and without definable weight or autho- 
rity? 

^'In another part of the Canadian newspapers, my 
theme has been regretted as dishonorable to England. 
Then it was, at all events, no fable. But how far 
was the truth dishonorable to England? American 
settlers, and not Englishmen, were chiefly the white 
men, calling themselves Christians, who were engaged 
in this affair. I shall be reminded, perhaps, that they 
also called themselves Loyalists. But for Heaven's 
sake, let not English loyalty be dragged down to pal- 
liate atrocities, or English delicacy be invoked to con- 
ceal them. I may be told that England permitted the 
war, and was therefore responsible for its occurrences. 
Not surely, universally, nor directly. I should be un- 
willing to make even Lord North's administration 
answerable for all the actions of Butler's Rangers ; 
and I should be still more sorry to make all Enir- 
land amenable either for Lord Nortli's adminis- 
tration or for Butler's Rangers. Was the Ameri- 
can war an unanimous and heartfelt war of the 
people? Were the best patriots and the brightest 
luminaries of our senate for, or against it? Chat- 



260 APPENDIX TO 

ham declared, that if America fell she would fall like 
the strong man — that she would embrace the pillars 
of our constitution, and perish beneath its ruins. 
Burke, Fox, and Barre kindled even the breasts of 
St. Stephen's Chapel against it ; and William Pitt pro- 
nounced it a war against the sacred cause of Liberty. 
If so, the loss of our colonies was a blessing, compared 
with the triumph of those principles that would have 
brought Washington home in chains. If Chatham 
and Pitt were our friends in denouncing the injustice 
of this war, then Washington was only nominally our 
foe in resisting it ; and he was as much the enemy of 
the worst enemies of our constitution, as if he had 
fought against the return of the Stuarts on the banks 
of the Spey or the Thames. I say, therefore, with full 
and free charity to those who think differently, that 
the American war was disgraceful only to those who 
were its abettors, and that the honor of Englishmen 
is redeemed in proportion as they deprecate its princi- 
ples and deplore its details. Had my theme even in- 
volved English character more than it does, I could 
still defend it. If my Canadian critic alleges that a 
poet may not blame the actions of his country, I 
meet his allegation and deny it. No doubt a poet 
ought not forever to harp and carp upon the faults 
of his country, but he may be her moral censor, and 
he must not be her parasite. If an English poet un- 
der Edward III. had only dared to leave one generous 
line of commiseration to the memory of Sir William 
Wallace, how much he would have raised our estima- 
tion of the moral character of the age ! There is a 
present and a future in national character, as well as 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 261 

a past ; and the charactei* of the present age is best 
provided for by impartial and generous sentiments re- 
specting the past. The twentieth century will not think 
the worse of the nineteenth for regretting the Ameri- 
can war. I know the slender importance of my own 
works. I am contending, however, against a false 
principle of delicacy, that would degrade poetry itself 
if it were adopted ; but it will never be adopted. 

'' I therefore regret nothing in the historical allu- 
sions of my poem, except the mistake about your fa- 
ther. Nor, though I have spoken freely of American 
affairs, do I mean to deny that your native tribes may 
have had a just cause of quarrel with the American 
colonists. And I regard it as a mark of their grati- 
tude that they adhered to the royal cause, because 
the governors acting in the king's name had been 
their most constant friends, and the colonial subjects 
possibly, at times, (heir treacherous invaders. I could 
say much of European injustice toward your tribes, 
but in spite of all that I could say, I must still de- 
plore the event of Christians having adopted their 
mode of warfare, and, as circumstances then stood, 
of their having invoked their alliance. If the Indians 
thirsted for vengeance on the colonists, that should 
have been the very circumstance to deter us from 
blending their arms with. ours. I trust you will un- 
derstand this declaration to be made in the spirit of 
frankness, and not of mean and inhospitable arro- 
gance. If I were to speak to you in that spirit, how 
easily and how truly could you tell me that the 
American Indians have departed faster from their old 
practices of warfare, than Christians have departed 



262 APPENDIX TO 

from their habits of religious persecution ! If I were 
to preach to you about European humanity, you 
might ask me how long the ashes of the Inquisition 
have been cold, and whether the slave-trade be yet 
abolished 1 You might demand how many — no, how 
few generations have elapsed since our old women 
were burned for imaginary commerce with the devil, 
and whether the houses be not yet standing from 
which our great grandmothers may have looked on 
the hurdles passing to the place of execution, whilst 
they blessed themselves that they were not witches ? 
A horrible occurrence of this nature took place in 
Scotland during my own grandfather's lifetime. As 
to warlike customs, I should be exceedingly sorry if 
you were to press me even on those of my brave old 
ancestors, the Scottish Highlanders. I can neverthe- 
less recollect the energy, faith, hospitality of those 
ancestors, and at the same time I am not forgetful of 
the simple virtues of yours.* 

* " Considering the filial motives of the young chief's appeal to me, 
I am not afraid that any part of this letter, immediately relating to 
him, will be thought ostentatious or prolix. And, if charitably judged, 
I hope that what I have said of myself and my poem will not be felt 
as offensive egotism. Tlie public has never been troubled with any de- 
fense of mine against any attacks on my poetry that were merely lit- 
erary, although I may have been as far as authors generally are from 
bowing to the injustice of hostile criticism. To show that I have not 
been over-anxious about publicity, I must mention a misrepresentation 
respecting my poem on Wyoming, which I have suffered to remain 
imcorrected for ten years. Mr. Washington Irving, in a biographical 
sketch jorefixed to it in an American edition, described me as having 
mjured the composition of the poem, by showing it to friends, who 
struck out its best passages. N"ow I read it to very few friends, and 
to none at whose suggestion I ever struck out a single line. Nor did 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 263 

*^ I have been thus special in addressing you, from 
a wish to vindicate my own consistency, as well as to 
do justice to you in your present circumstancesj^vhich 
are peculiarly and publicly interesting. The chief of 
an aboriginal tribe now settled under the protection of 
our sovereign in Canada, you are anxious to lead on 
your people in a train of civilization that is already 
begun. It is impossible that the British community 
should not be touched with regard for an Indian stran- 
ger of respectable private character, possessing such 
useful and honorable views. Trusting that you will 
amply succeed in them, and long live to promote im- 
provement and happiness amidst the residue of your 
ancient race, 

I remain your sincere well-wisher, 

Thomas Campbell." 



I ever lean on the taste of others with that miserable distrust of my 
own judgment which the anecdote conveys. I knew that Mr. Irving 
was the last man in the world to make such a misrepresentation in- 
tentionally, and that I could easily contradict it ; but from aversion to 
bring a petty anecdote about myself before the world, I forbore to say 
anything about it. The case was diflferent when a Canadian writer 
hinted at the patriotism of my subject. There he touched on my 
principles, and I have defended them, contending that on the supposi- 
tion of the story of Wyoming being true, it is a higher compliment to 
British feelings to reveal, than palliate or hide it." 



264 APPENDIX TO 



Note D. 
SKENANDO. 

The following account of the death of this chief 
was published in the Utica Patriot, March 19, 1816 : 

'' Died at his residence, near Oneida Castle, on 
Monday, 11th inst., Skenando, the celebrated Oneida 
chief, aged 110 years ; well known in the wars 
which occurred while we were British colonies, and 
in the contest which issued in our independence, as 
the undeviating friend of the people of the United 
States. He was very savage and addicted to drunk- 
enness* in his youth, but by his own reflections and 
the benevolent instruction of the late Rev. Mr. Kirk- 
land, missionary to his tribe, he lived a reformed man 
for more than sixty years, and died in Christian hope. 
From attachment to Mr. Kirkland he had ahv^ays ex- 
pressed a strong desire to be buried near his minister 

* In the year 1755, Skenando was present at a treaty made in 
Albany. At night he was excessively drunk, and in the morning 
foimd himself in the street, stripped of all his ornaments and every 
article of clothing. His pride revolted at his self-degradation, and he 
resolved that he would never again deliver himself over to the power 
of strong water. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 265 

and father, that he might (to use his own expression) 
' go up vAth him at the great resurrection,^ At the 
approach of death, after listening to the prayers 
which were read at his bedside by his great grand- 
daughter, he again repeated the request. According- 
ly, the family of Mr. Kirkland having received infor- 
mation by a runner that Skenando was dead, in com- 
pliance with a previous promise sent assistance to 
the Indians, that the corpse might be carried to the 
village of Clinton for burial. Divine service was 
attended at the meeting-house in Clinton on Wednes- 
day at two o'clock, P. M. An address was made to 
the Indians by the Rev. Dr. Backus, President of Ham- 
ilton College, which was interpreted by Judge Deane, 
of Westmoreland. Prayer was then offered and ap- 
propriate psalms sung. After service, the concourse 
which had assembled from respect to the deceased 
chief, or from the singularity of the occasion, moved 
to the grave in the following order : 

STUDENTS OF HAMILTON COLLEGE, 

CORPSE, 

INDIANS, 

MRS. KIRKLAND AND FAMILY, 

JUDGE DEANE, REV. DR. NORTON, REV. MR. AYRE, 

OFFICERS OF HAMILTON COLLEGE, 

CITIZENS. 

'^ After interment, the only surviving son of the de- 
ceased, self-moved, returned thanks, through Judge 
Deane as interpreter, to the people for the re,spect 
12*^ 



266 APPENDIX TO 

shown to his father on the occasion, and to Mrs. Kirk- 
land and family for their kind and friendly attention. 

'' Skenando's person was tall, well made, and robust. 
His countenance was intelligent, and displayed all 
the peculiar dignity of an Indian chief. In his youth 
he was a brave and intrepid warrior, and in his riper 
years one of the noblest counsellors among the North 
American tribes ; he possessed a vigorous mind, and 
was alike sagacious, active and persevering. As an 
enemy he was terrible. As a friend and ally he was 
mild and gentle in his disposition, and faithful to his 
engagements. His vigilance once preserved from 
massacre the inhabitants of the little settlement at 
German Flats. In the Revolutionary war his influ- 
ence induced the Oneidas to take up arms in favor of 
the Americans. Among the Indians he was distin- 
guished by the appellation of the ' white man's 
friend.' 

'' Although he could speak but little English, and in 
his extreme old age was blind, yet his company was 
sought. In conversation he was highly decorous, 
evincing that he had profited by seeing civilized and 
polished society, and by mingling with good compa- 
ny in his better days. 

'*' To a friend who called on him a short time since, 
he thus expressed himself by an interpreter : ' I am 
an aged hemlock. The winds of an hundred winters 
have whistled through my branches ; I am dead at the 
top. The generation to which I belonged have run 
away and left me ; why I live the great Good Spirit 
only knows. Pray to my Jesus that I may have pa- 
tience to wnit for my appointed time to die.' 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 267 

"Honored chief! His prayer was answered; he 
was cheerful and resigned to the last. For several 
years he kept his dress for the grave prepared. Once 
and again, and again he came to Clinton to die; 
longing that his soul might be with Christ, and his 
body in the narrow house near his beloved Christian 
teacher. 

" While the ambitious but vulgar great look princi- 
pally to sculptured monuments and to riches in the 
temple of earthly fame, Skenando, in the spirit of 
the only real nobility, stood with his loins girded, 
waiting the coming of the Lord. His Lord has come, 
and the day approaches when the green hillock that 
covers his dust Avill be more respected than the Pyra- 
mids, the Mausolea, and the Pantheons of the proud 
and imperious. His simple turf and stone will be 
viewed with veneration when their tawdry ornaments 
shall awaken only pity and disgust. 

' Indulge my native land, indulge the tear 
That steals impassioned o'er a nation's doom ; 
To me each twig from Adam's stock is dear, 
And sorrow* fall upon an Indian's tomb." 

Clinton^ March I4th, 1816." 



268 APPENDIX TO 



Note E. 



MOSES YOUNGLOVE. 

Dr. Younglove, after his return from captivity, 
wrote a poem describing some of the scenes which he 
had witnessed, and detailing his wanderings and suf- 
ferings. I shall make some extracts from this poem, 
not that they contain many poetic beauties, but be- 
cause they delineate some striking customs of the 
Indians. The poem comes from the pen of the hero 
himself, who might with truth exclaim, *^pars magna 
fui." The first extract is a description of the battle 
of Oriskany. 

The time and place of our unhappy fight. 

To you at large were needless to recite ; 

When in the wood our fierce, inhuman foes, 

With piercing yell from circling ambush rose : 

A sudden volley rends the vaulted sky ; 

Their painted bodies hideous to the eye ; 

They rush like hellish furies on our bands. 

Their slaughter weapons brandished in their hands. 

Then we with equal fury join the fight. 
Ere Fhaihus efained his full meridian heie:ht ; 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 269 

Kor ceased the horrors of the bloody fray. 
Till he had journeyed half his evening way. 
Now hand to hand, the contest is for hfe, 
"With bayonet, tomahawk, swoTd, and scalping-knife ; 
No more remote? the work of death we ply. 
And thick as hail the showering bullets fly : 
Full many a hardy warrior sinks supine, 
Yells, shrieks, groans, shouts, and thundering volleys join ; 
The dismal din the ringing forest fills. 
The sounding echo roars along the hills. 
Our friends and foes he struggling in their blood, 
An undistinguished carnage strews the wood ; 
And every streamlet drinks the crimson flood. 
True valor, stubbornness, and fury here, 
There fell revenge, despair, and spite appear ; 
Long raged surrounding death, and no deliverance near ; 
While mangled friends, not fated yet to die, 
Implore our aid in vain with feeble cry. 

Of two departments were the assailing foes : 
Wild savage natives lead the first of those ; 
Their almost naked frames, of various dyes. 
And rings of black and red surround their eyes. 
On one side they present a shaven head. 
The naked half of the vermilion red ; 
In spots the party-colored face they drew. 
Beyond description horrible to view ; 
Their ebon locks in braid, with paint overspread ; 
The silvered ears depending from the head ; 
Their gaudery my descriptive power exceeds, 
In plumes of feathers, glittering plates and beads. 

With them, of parricides a bloody band, 
Assist the ravage of their parent land ; 
With equal dress, and arms, and savage arts. 
But more than savage rancor in their hearts. 



270 APPENDIX TO 

These for tlie first attack their force unite. 
And most sustain the fury of the fight,- 
Their rule of warfare, devastation dire, 
~ By undistinguished plunder, death, and fire ; 
They torture man and beast with barbarous rage, 
Nor tender infant spare, nor reverend sage. 

O'er them a horrid monster bore command. 
Whose inauspicious birth disgraced our land ; 
By malice urged to every barbarous art ; 
Of cruel temper, but of coward heart. 

The second was a renegado crew. 
Who arm and dress as Christian nations do, 
Led by a chief who bore the first command ; 
A bold invader of his native land. 

Such was the bloody fight, and such the foe ; 
Our smaller force returned them blow for blow, 
By turns successfully their forced defied. 
And conquest wavering seemed from side to side. 

V 

The following is a description of a scene the night 
after the battle : 

Not half the savages returned from fight ; 
They to their native wilds had sped their flight : 
Those that remained a long encampment made, 
And rising fires illumined all the shade ; 
In vengeance for their numerous brothers slain, 
For torture sundry prisoners they retain ; 
And three fell monsters, horrible to view, 
A fellow-prisoner from the sentries drew ; 
The guards before received their chief's command. 
To not withhold us from the slaughtering band ; 
But now the sufferer's fate they sympathize, 
And for him supplicate witli earnest cries. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 271 

I saw the General slowly passing by ; 
The sergeant on his knees, with tearful eye, 
Implored the guards might wrest him from their hands. 
Since now the troops could awe their lessened bands. 
With lifted cane the General thus replies, 
(While indignation sparkles from his eyes,) 
" Go, sirrah ! mind your orders given before, 
And for infernal rebels plead no more !" 
For help the wretched victim vainly cries. 
With supphcating voice and ardent eyes ; 
With horror chilled, I turn away my face, 
While instantly they bear him from the place. 
Dread scene ! with anguish stung I inly groan, 
To think the next hard lot may be my own ; 
And now I poring sit, now sudden start, 
Through anxious agitation of my heart ; 
In every bush the coming foe appear, 
Their sound in every breeze I seem to hear. 

Noctmiial shades at length involve the sky, 
The planets faintly glimmer from on high ; 
When through the grove the flammg fires arise. 
And loud resound the tortured prisoners' cries ; 
Still as their pangs are more or less extreme, 
The bitter groan is heard, or sudden scream ; 
But when their natures failed, and death drew near. 
Their screeches faintly sounded in the ear. 

Tremendous night of woe beyond compare ! 
I beg for death, in anguish of despair ; 
IsTo gleam of hope, no rest my soul could find ; 
Approaching torture gnr.wing on my mind ; 
Until Aurora purpled o'er the skies. 
Then gentle slumber sealed awhile my eyes ; 



2^2 APPENDIX TO 

But troubled dreams arising in my head, 

My fancy to the scene of battle led. 

The fatal wood my weeping eyes sui-vey, 

Where pale in death my slaughtered neighbors lay ; 

A long adieu, I cried, my brethren slain ; 

No more to joy my longing soul again ! 

Who shall protect your wives with guardian care, 

And babes abandoned to the rage of war ? 

Decrepit parents, with the feeble groan, 

Shall wail your fate, their country's, and their own ; 

While, lost to all, you here unburied lay. 

To feast the ravens and the beasts of prey ; 

Yet, by your slaughter, safe arrived on shore, 

The storms of war shall break your peace no more ; 

Each honest soul your memory shall revere. 

And pay the tribute of a tender tear. 

Oh ! had I too partook your calm repose. 

In safe retreat, beyond the power of foes, 

I had avoided, by a milder fate. 

Dread horrors past, and tortures that await. 

His own day of trial and suffering at length came 
on, and he thus describes it : 

JSTow did the dreadful morn at length arise. 

And Sol through mists reluctant climbed the skies, 

When savages, for horrid sport prepared. 

Demand another prisoner from the guard. 

We saw their feared approach with mortal fright. 

Their scalping-knives they sharpened in our sight ; 

Beside the guard they sat them on the ground. 

And viewed, with piercing eyes, the prisoners round. 

As when a panther grim, with furious eye. 

Surveys the tender lad he dooms to die ; 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 2l3 

The lad beholds him, shivering with affright. 
Sees all resistance vain, despairs of flight ; 
So they on me their glaring eyelids roll, 
And such the feelings of my suddering soul. 
At length one, rising, seized me by the hand ; 
By him drawn forth, on trembling knees I stand ; 
I bid my fellows all a long adieu ; 
With answering grief my wretched case they view. 

They led me, bound, along the winding flood. 
Far in the gloomy bosomof the wood ; 
There (horrid sight !) a prisoner roasted lay, 
The carving-knife had cut his flesh away. 
Against a tree erect I there was bound. 
While they regaled themselves upon the ground ; 
■ Their shell of spirits went from hand to hand, 
Their friends collecting still, a numerous band. 

So passed the day. What terrors in me reign ! 
I supplicate for instant death in vain. 
I think upon this breach of nature's laws, 
My family, my friends, my country's cause ; 
Around me still collect my bloody foes. 
Still in my mind approaching torture rose ; 
The skeleton in open prospect lay. 
Chaos of woful thought employed my wretched day. 

Now on a neighboring green, high jutting o'er, 
Where underneath the rapid waters roar. 
There, round a fire, their heaps of fuel rise, 
Nocturnal shadows thickening in the skies. 
Beside the fire I tremble at the stake ; 
The numerous herd a spacious circle make ; 
And as the flames, advancing, rise in air. 
Within the ring my torturers repair ; 



274 APPENDIX TO 

With whoop and dance they tunc the deathful song, 

Along the margin crowd the sportive throng ; 

When lo ! the faihng bank, beneath the load, ^ 

Broke short and plunged us headlong in the flood. 

In transport down the stream my course I made ; 

With dismal cries resounds the gloomy shade ; 

The floating stake adhering by a thong. 

With nose above the stream I steal along. 

Through all the vale a fruitless search they made, 
And fearful bowlings rung along the shade. 
When to the camp again their way they steer, 
Their distant clamor murmuring in my ear, 
Far down the stream, where lies a naked strand, 
With shivering limbs, I softly crept to land. 
The stake upon the shore I trailed along ; 
Then joyfully unbound each fettering thong, 
And for the neighboring road in haste depart, 
The hope of freedom dawning in my heart. 
Through gloomy thickets, far, I grope my way. 
And briery heaths, where pines extended lay ; 
Now thoughts of home my ravished soul delight. 
Now distant, savage yells my mind aflright ; 
Still I my way with all my power pursued. 
Still did the road my anxious search elude. 
Long time I groped the rough, uncertain way ; 
Through erring course, I wandered far astray ; 
Nor moon, nor star, would lend a friendly ray ; 
Then laid me down, dejected and forlorn. 
To rest my weary limbs, and wait the morn ; 
Ere long my leafy couch I there had pressed. 
Exhausted nature sunk to quiet rest. 

He was retaken and carried to the far west by a 
diflTerent tribe. The following is a description of the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 276 

arrival of the tribe at their village, and of his running 
the gauntlet : 

Their glad retiu^n through all the place was told ; 
Next morning they convene both young and old. 
The band, equipped in all their war parade, 
Into the town a formal entry made ; - 
They led me up, triumphing with delight, 
With all their spoils and trophies of the fight. 
Except the scalps ; for these they had their pay, 
From British agents ere they came away, 

They end their march, where, high upon the green, 
A numerous crowd of every age was seen ; 
The hoary parent bowing down with years. 
The mother with her tender train appears ; 
The youthful archer bends his little bow. 
And sportive striplings gambol in the row ; 
Warriors and hunters tricked in best array. 
And youthful maids their tawny charms display, 
With scarlet cloth, rings, beads, and ribbons gay. 

I trembled when I to the crowd was brought. 
The stake and flames arising in my thought ; 
But soon my guard, approaching to my ear. 
Bid me confide in him, and nothing fear. 

There, in a spacious hut, on either hand, 
Two lengthy rows with sticks and weapons stand; 
Then stripped I was to pass between the rows. 
And each inflict at pleasure wounds and blows ; 
My keeper gently struck, then urged my flight ; 
Between the ranks I fled with all my might. 

As when some farmer, blest with plenteous yield, 
His crop of buckwheat thrashes in the field, 
The men and boys with flail in hand around. 
Clap after clap loud constant clatterings sound, 



276 APPENDIX TO 

The straw all crushed in broken pieces he, 
The grains around the thrashers' faces fly ; 
So, as with naked frame I pass along, 
Resound the strokes of all the furious throng ; 
So by their blows my mangled skin is broke. 
And so the sputtering blood pursues the stroke. 

Two female furies at the further end. 
Their brother slain in fight, my death intend ; 
Enraged, they maul with clubs my bleeding head, 
And doubtless would erelong have laid me dead ; 
But quickly did their father interpose, 
And then my keeper fended off their blows. 
I blessed the thought that once his death withstood. 
And checked my hand, when raised to shed his blood. 
The aged sire adopts me for his son ; 
Rejoiced, I put the savage habit on; 
With honorary paint, in blanket dressed, 
I stand installed an Indian with the rest. 
The sire in gayest fashion shaved my head. 
Then to his home, rejoicing, I was led. 

They used me tenderly, my wounds they healed. 
But deeper wounds within remain concealed ; 
My wife, my country, friends, and blooming child ; 
Exchanged for captive bands in regions wild ; 
These thoughts incessant did my bosom rend. 
And often did the painful tear descend. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 277 



Note F. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GOVERNOR GEORGE 
CLINTON. 

George Clinton, formerly Governor of the State 
of New York, and Vice President of the United States, 
was born on the 26th July, 1739, in the county of 
Ulster, in the colony of New York. He was the 
youngest son of Colonel Charles Clinton, an emigrant 
from Ireland, and a gentleman of distinguished worth 
and high consideration. 

He was educated, principally, under the eye of his 
father, and received the instruction of a learned min- 
ister'of the Presbyterian church, who had graduated 
in the university of Aberdeen ; and, after reading law 
in the office of William Smith, afterward chief justice 
of Canada, he settled himself in that profession in the 
county of his nativity, where he rose to eminence. 

In 1768, he took his seat as one of the members of 
the Colonial Assembly for the county of U ster, and 
he continued an active member of that body until it 
was merged in the Revolution. His energy of char- 
acter, discriminating intellect, and undaunted courage, 
placed liim nmong the chiefs of the Wbi? parly ; and 



278 APPENDIX TO 

he was always considered possessed of a superior mind 
' and master spirit, on which his country might rely, 
as an asylum in the most gloomy periods of her for- 
tunes. 

On the 22d of April, 1775, he was chosen by the 
Provincial Convention of New York one of the dele- 
gates to the Continental Congress, and took his seat 
in that illustrious body on the 15th of May. On the 
4th of July, 1776, he was present at the glorious 
declaration of independence, and assented with his 
usual energy and decision to that measure ; but hav- 
ing been appointed a brigadier general in the militia, 
and also in the army, the exigencies^ of his country, 
at that trying hour, rendered it necessary for him to' 
take the field in person, and he therefore retired from 
Congress immediately after his vote was given, and 
before the instrument was transcribed for the signature 
of the members ; for which reason his name does not 
appear among the signers. 

A constitution having been adopted for the State of 
New York, on the 20th April, 1777, he was cliosen, 
at the first election under it, both governor and lieu- 
tenant governor, and he was continued in the former 
ofiice for eighteen years, by triennial elections ; when, 
owing to ill health, and a respect for the republican 
principle of rotation in office, he declined a re-elec- 
tion. 

During the Revolutionary war, he cordially co-op- 
erated with the immortal Washington, and, without 
his aid, the army would have been disbanded, and 
the northern separated from the southern States, by 
the intervention of British troops. He was always at 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY* 2*79 

his post in the times that tried men's souls ; at one 
period repelling the advances of the enemy from 
Canada, and at another meeting them in battle 
when approaching from the south. His gallant de- 
fense of Fort Montgomery, with a handful of men, 
against a powerful force commanded by Sir Henry 
Clinton, was equally honorable to his intrepidity and 
his skill. 

The following are the particulars of his gallant con- 
duct at the storming of Forts Montgomery and Clin- 
ton, in October, 1777 : 

'^ When the British reinforcements, under General 
Robertson, amounting to nearly two thousand men, 
arrived from Europe, Sir Henry Clinton used the 
greatest exertion, and availed himself of every favor- 
able circumstance, to put these troops into immediate 
operation. Many were sent to suitable vessels, and 
united in the expedition, which consisted of about 
four thousand men, against the forts in the Highlands. 
Having made the necessary arrangements, he moved 
up the North River, and landed on the 4th of Octo- 
ber at Tarry town, purposely to impress General Put- 
nam, under whose command a thousand continental 
troops had been left, with a belief that his post at 
Peekskill was the object of attack. At eight o'clock 
at n'ght the general communicated the intelligence to 
Governor Clinion, of the arrival of the British, and 
at the same time expressed his opinion respecting their 
destination. The designs of Sir Henry were imme- 
diately perceived by the governor, who prorogued the 
Assembly on the following day, and arrived that night 
at Fort Montgomery. The British troops, in the 



230 APPENDIX TO 

mean time, were secretly conveyed across the river, 
and assaults upon our forts were meditated to be made 
on the 6th, which were accordingly put in execution, 
by attacking the American advanced party at Doodle- 
town, about two miles and a half from Fort Mont- 
gomery. The Americans received the fire of the 
British, and retreated to Fort Clinton. The enemy 
then advanced to the west side of the mountain, in 
order to attack our troops in the rear. Governor Clin- 
ton immediately ordered out a detachment of one 
hundred men toward Doodletown, and another of 
sixty, w4th a brass field-piece, to an elegible spot on 
another road. They were both soon attacked by the 
whole force of the enemy, and compelled to fall back. 
It has been remarked that the talents, as well as the 
temper of a commander, are put to as severe a test in 
conducting a retreat, as in achieving a victory. The 
truth of this Governor Clinton experienced, when, 
with great bravery, and the most perfect order, he re- 
tired till he reached the fort. He lost no time in 
placing his men in the best manner that circum- 
stances would permit. His post, however, as well as 
Fort Clinton, in a few minutes were invaded on every 
side. In the midst of this disheartening and appalling 
disaster he was summoned, when the sun was only 
an hour high, to surrender ; but his gallant spirit 
sternly refused to obey the call. In a short time after 
the British made a general and most desperate attack 
on both posts, which was received by the Americans 
with undismayed courage and resistance. Officers and 
men, militia and continentals, all behaved alike brave. 
An incessant fire was kept up till dusk, when our 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 281 

troops were overpowered by numbers, who forced the 
lines and redoubts at both posts. Many of the Ameri- 
cans fought their way out ; others accidentally mixed 
with the enemy, and thus made their escape effectu- 
ally; for, besides being favored by the night, they 
knew the various avenues in the mountains. The 
Governor, as well as his brother, General James Clin- 
ton, who was wounded, were not taken." 

The administration of Governor Clinton was char- 
acterized by wisdom and patriotism. He was a re- 
publican in principle and practice. After a retire- 
ment of live years, he was called by the citizens of 
the city and county of New York to represent them 
in the Assembly of the State ; and to his influence 
and popularity may be ascribed, in a great degree, 
the change in his native State, which finally produced 
the important political revolution of 1801. 

At that period, much against his inclination, but 
from motives of patriotism, he consented to an elec- 
tion as governor and in 1805 he was chosen Vice 
President of the United States, in which office he con- 
tinued until his death, presiding with great dignity in 
the Senate, and evincing, by his votes and his opinions, 
his decided hostility to constructive autliority, and to 
innovations on the established principles of republican 
government. 

He died at Washington, when attending to his 
duties as Vice President, and was interred in that city, 
where a monument was erected by the filial piety of 
his children, with this inscription, written by his 
nephew : 

'^ To the memory of George Clinton. He was born 
13 



282 APPENDIX TU 

in the State of New York on the 26th of July, 1739, 
and died in the city of Washington, on the 20th of 
April, 1812, in the seventy-third year of his age. He 
was a soldier and statesman of the Revolution. Emi- 
nent in council, and distinguished in war, he filled 
with unexampled usefulness, purity, and ability, 
among many other offices, those of Governor of his 
native State, and of Vice-President of the United 
States. While he lived, his virtue, wisdom, and 
valor were the pride, the ornament, and security of his 
country ; and when he died, he left an illustrious ex- 
ample of a well-spent life, worthy of all imitation. 

" There are few men who will occupy as renowned 
a place in the history of his country as George Clin- 
ton ; and the progress of time will increase the public 
veneration, and thicken the laurels that cover his 
monument."* ♦ 

* American Biographical Dictionary. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUMV. 



2b3 



Note G. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GENERAL PHILIP 
SCHUYLER. 



The following Biographical Sketch of Gen. Philip Schuyler is taken 
from the Address of Chancellor Kent before the JS^ew York Histori- 
cal Society. It is a beautiful outline of the life of that distinguished 
man ; and I trust that no apology is necessary for inserting it at 
length. 

The Dutch family of Schuyler stands conspicuous 
in our colonial annals. Col. Peter Schuyler was 
mayor of Albany, and commander of the northern 
militia in 1690. He was distinguished for his probity 
and activity in all the various duties of civil and mili- 
tary life. No man understood better the relation of 
the colony with the Five Nations of Indians, or had 
more decided influence with that confederacy. He 
had frequently chastised the Canadian French for 
their destructive incursions upon the frontier settle- 
ments ; and his zeal and energy were rewarded by a 
seat in the provincial council ; and the House of As- 
sembly gave their testimony to the British court of his 
faithful services and good reputation. It was this 
same vigilant officer who gave intelligence to the in- 



284 



APPENDIX TO 



habitants of Deerfield, on Connecticut River, of the 
designs of the French and Indians upon them, some 
short time before the destruction of that village in 
1704. In 1720, as president of the council, he became 
acting governor of the colony for a short time, previ- 
ous to the accession of Gov. Burnet. His son. Col. 
Philip Schuyler, was an active and efficient member of 
Assembly, for the city and county of Albany, in 1743. 
But the Philip Schuyler to whom I particularly allude, 
and who in a subsequent age shed such signal 
lustre upon the family name, was born at Albany in 
the year 1733, and at an early age he began to dis- 
play his active mind and military spirit. He was a 
captain in the New York levies at Fort Edward, in 
1755, and accompanied the British army in the expe- 
dition down Lake George, in the summer of 1758. 
He was with Lord Howe when he fell by the fire of 
the enemy, on landing at the north end of the lake, 
and he was appointed (as he himself informed me) to 
convey the body of that young and lamented noble- 
man to Albany, where he was buried, with appropri- 
ate solemnities, in the Episcopal Church. 

We next find him under the title of Col. Schuyler, 
in company with his compatriot, George Clinton, in 
the year 1768, on the floor of the House of Assembly, 
taking an active share in all their vehement discus- 
sions. Neither of them was to be overawed or seduced 
from a bold ond determined defense of the constitu- 
tional rights of the colonies, and of an adherence to 
the letter and spirit of the councils of the union. The 
struggle in the House of Assembly between the min- 
isterial and the whig parties, was brought to a crisis 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 285 

in the months of February and March, 1775 ; and in 
that memorable contest, Philip Schuyler and George 
Clinton, together with Nathaniel Woodhull, of Long 
Island, acted distinguished parts. On the motions to 
give the thanks of the House to the delegates from 
the colony in the Continental Congress of September, 
1774, and to thank the merchants and inhabitants of 
the colony for their adherence to the non-importa- 
tion, and the association recommended by Congress, 
those patriots found themselves in the minority. But 
their courage and resolution gained strength from de- 
feat. 

On the 3d of March, Col. Schuyler moved declara- 
tory resolutions that the act 4 Geo. III. imposing du- 
ties for raising a revenue in America; and for the ex- 
tending the jurisdiction of Admiralty courts; and for 
depriving his majesty's subjects in America of trial 
by jury; and for holding up an injurious discrimina- 
tion between the subjects of Great Britain and those 
of the colonies, were great grievances. The govern- 
ment party seem to have fled the question, and to 
have left in the House only the scanty number of nine 
members, and the resolutions were carried by a vote 
of seven to two. But their opponents immediately 
rallied, and eleven distinct divisions, on different mo- 
tions, were afterwards taken in the course of that sin- 
gle day, and entered on the journal ; and they related 
to all the momentous points then in controversy be- 
tween Great Britain and the United Colonies. It was 
a sharp and hard-fought contest for fundamental prin- 
ciples ; and a more solemn and eventful debate rarely 
ever happened on the floor of a deliberative assembly. 



28C APPENDIX TO 

The House consisted on that day of twenty-fonr mem- 
bers, and the ministerial majority was exactly in the 
ratio of two to one ; and the intrepidity, talents, and 
services of the three members I have named, and espe- 
cially of Schuyler and Clinton, were above all praise, 
and laid the foundation for those lavish marks of honor 
and confidence which their countrymen were after- 
ward so eager to bestow. 

The resistance of the majority of the House was 
fairly broken down, and essentially controlled by the 
efforts of the minority and the energy of public opin- 
ion. A series of resolutions, declaratory of American 
grievances, were passed, and petitions to the King and 
Parliament adopted, not indeed in all respects such as 
the leaders of the minority wished, (for all their 
amendments were voted down,) but they were Hever- 
theless grounded upon the principles of the American 
Revolution. They declared that the claims of taxa- 
tion and absolute sovereignty, on the part of the Brit- 
ish Parliament, and the extension of admiralty juris- 
diction, were grievances, and unconstitutional meas- 
ures ; and that the act of Parliament, shutting up the 
port of Boston, and altering the charter of that colony, 
also was a grievance. 

These were the last proceedings of the General 
Assembly of the colony of New York, w^hich now 
closed its existence forever. More perilous scenes, 
and new and brighter paths of glory, were opening 
upon the vision of those illustrious patriots. 

The delegates from this colony to the first Continen- 
tal Congress in 1774, were not chosen by the General 
Assembly, but by the suffrages of the people, mani- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 037 

fested in some sufficiently authentic shape in the 
several counties. 

The delegates to the second constitutional Congress, 
which met in May, 1775, were chosen by a Provincial 
Congress, which the people of the colony had already 
created, and which was held in this city, in April of 
that year, and had virtually assumed the powers of 
government. The names of the delegates from this 
colony, to this second congress, were John Jay, John 
Alsop, James Duane, Philip Schuyler, George Clin- 
ton, Lewis Morris, and Robert R. Livingston ; and 
the weight of their talents and character may be in- 
ferred from the fact, that Mr. Jay, Mr. Livingston, 
Mr. Duane, and Mr. Schuyler were early placed 
upon committees, charged with the most arduous and 
responsible duties. We find Washington and Schuy- 
ler associated together in the committee, appointed on 
the 14th of June, 1775, to prepare rules and regula- 
tions for the government of the army. This associa- 
tion of those great men, commenced at such a critical 
moment, was the beginning of a mutual confidence, 
respect, and admiration, which continued with unin- 
terrupted and unabated vividness during the remainder 
of their lives. An allusion is made to this friendship 
in the memoir of a former president of this society, 
and the allusion is remarkable for its strength and 
pathos. After mentioning General Schuyler, he adds, 
" I have placed thee, my friend, by the side of him 
who knew thee; thy intelligence to discern, thy zeal 
to promote thy country's good, and knowing thee, 
prized thee. Let this be thy eulogy. I add, and with 



288 APPENDIX TO 

truth, peculiarly thine — content it should be mine to 
have expressed it." 

The congress of this colony, during the year 1775 
and 1776, had to meet difficulties and dangers almost 
sufficient to subdue the firmest resolution. The popu- 
lation of the colony was short of 200,000 souls. It 
had a vast body of disaffiicted inhabitants within its 
own bosom. It had numerous tribes of hostile sav- 
ages on its extended frontier. The bonds of society 
seemed to have been broken up, ajid society itself 
resolved into its primitive elements. There was no 
civil government, but sucli as had been introduced by 
the Provincial Congress and county committees, as 
temporary expedients. It had an enemy's province 
in the rear, strengthened by large and well-appointed 
forces. It had an open and exposed sea-port without 
any adequate means to defend it. In the summer of 
1776, the state was actually invaded, not only upon 
our Canadian, but upon our Atlantic frontier, by a 
formidable fleet and arm}^, calculated by the power that 
sent them to be sufficient to annihilate at once all our 
infant republics. 

In the midst of this appalling storm, the virtue of 
our people, animated by a host of intrepid patriots, 
the mention of whose names is enough to kindle 
enthusiasm in the breast of the present generation, 
remained glowing, unmoved, and invincible. It 
would be difficult to find any other people who have 
been put to a severer test, or on trial gave higher 
proofs of courage and capacity. 

On the ]9lh of June, 1775, Philip Schuyler w^as 
appointed by Congress the third major general in the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 



289 



armies of the United Colonies; and such was his sin- 
gular promptitude, that, in eleven days from this 
appointment, we find him in acual service, correspond- 
ing with Congress from a distance, on business that 
required and received immediate attention. In July, 
1775, he was placed at the head of a board of com- 
missioners for the northern department, and empow- 
ered to employ all the troops in that department at 
his discretion, subject to the future orders of the com- 
mander-in-chief. He was authorized, if he should 
find it practicable and expedient, to take possession of 
St. Johns and Montreal, and pursue any other mea- 
sure in Canada having a tendency, in his judgment, 
to promote the peace and security of the United 
Colonies. 

In September, 1775, Gen. Schuyler was acting 
under positive instructions to enter Canada, and he 
proceeded, with Generals Montgomery and Wooster 
under his command, to the Isle au Noix. He had at 
that time become extremely ill, and he w^as obliged to 
leave the command of the expedition to devolve upon 
Gen. Montgomery. The latter, under his orders, 
captured the garrisons of Chambly and St. Johns, 
and pressed forward to Montreal and Quebec. Mon- 
treal was entered on the 12th of November, 1775, by 
the troops under the immediate orders of Montgomery, 
and in the same month a committee from Congress 
was appointed to confer with General Schuyler, 
relative to raising troops in Canada for the possession 
and security of that province. His activity, skill, 
and zeal shone conspicuously throughout that ardu- 
ous northern campaign ; and his unremitting corres- 
13* 



290 APPENDIX TO 

pondence with Congress received the most prompt and 
marked consideration. 

While the expedition under Montgomery was em- 
ployed in Canada, Gen. Schuyler was called to exer- 
cise his influence and power in another quarter of his 
military district. On the 30th of December, 1775, he 
was ordered to disarm the disaffected inhabitants of 
Tryon County, then under the influence of Sir John 
Johnson ; and on the 18th of January following, he 
made a treaty with the disaffected portion of the 
people in that western part of the state. The Conti- 
nental Congress w^ere so highly satisfied with his con- 
duct in that delicate and meritorious service, as to 
declare, by a special resolution, that he had executed 
his trust with fidelity, prudence and dispatch ; and 
they ordered a publication of the narrative of his 
march in depth of winter into the regions bordering on 
the middle and upper Mohawk. The duties imposed 
upon that officer were so various, multiplied, and inces- 
sant, as to require rapid movements, sufficient to distract 
and confound an ordinary mind. Thus, on the 30tli 
of December, 1775, he was ordered to disarm the 
Tories in Tryon County. On the 8th of January, 
1776, he was ordered to have the river St. Lawrence, 
above and below Quebec, well explored. On the 
25th of January, he was ordered to have the fortress 
of Ticonderoga repaired and made defensible, and on 
the 17th of February he was directed to take the 
command of the forces, and conduct the military 
operations at the city of New York. All these cumu- 
lative and conflicting orders from Congress, were 
made upon him in the course of six weeks, and they 



AxNNALS OF TKYON COUNTY. 291 

were occasioned by the embarrassmerrts and distresses 
of the times. 

In March, 1776, Congress changed their plan of 
operation, and directed Gen. Schuyler to establish his 
head -quarters at Albany, and superintend the army 
destined for Canada. He was instructed to take such 
orders as he should deem expedient, respecting the 
very perplexing and all-important subject of the sup- 
plies for the troops in Canada, and those orders as to 
the supplies were repeated in April, and again in 
May, 1776. The duty of procuring supplies, though 
less splendid in its effects, is often more effectual to the 
safety and success of an army than prowess in the field. 
Gen. Schuyler, by his thorough business habits, his 
precise attention to details, and by his skill and science 
in every^ duty connected with the equipment of an 
army, was admirably fitted to be at the head of the 
commissariat; and he gave life and vigor to every 
branch of the service. His versatile talents, equally 
adapted to investigation and action, rendered his 
merits as an officer of transcendent value. 

On the 14th of June, 1776, he was ordered by 
Congress to hold a treaty with the Six Nations, and 
engage them in the interest of the colonies, and to 
treat with them on the principles, and in the decisive 
manner, which he had suggested. His preparations 
for taking immediate possession of Fort Stanwix, and 
erecting a fortification there, received the approbation 
of Congress, and their records afTord the most satis- 
factory evidence that his comprehensive and accurate 
mind had anticipated and suggested the most essential 
measures, which he afterward diligently executed 



292 APPENDIX TO 

ihronghout the whole northern department. But 
within three days after the order for the treaty, Con- 
gress directed his operations to a different quarter of 
his command. He was ordered, on the 17th of June, 
to clear Wood Creek, and construct a lock upon the 
creek at Skeenshorongh, (now Whiteliall,) and to take 
the level of the waters failing into the Hudson at Fort 
Edward, and into Wood Creek. There can be no 
doubt that those orders were all founded upon his 
previous suggestions, and they afford demonstrative 
proof of the views entertained by him, at that early 
day, of the practicability and importance of canal 
navigation. He was likewise directed to cause 
armed vessels to be built, so as to secure the mastery 
of the waters of the northern lakes. He was to judge 
of the expediency of a temporary fortification or in- 
trenched camp on the heights opposite Ticonderoga. 
Captain Graydon visited Gen. Schuyler early in the 
summer of 1776, at his head-quarters on Lake 
George ; and he speaks of him, in the very interesting 
memoirs of his own life, as an officer thoroughly 
devoted to business, and being, at the same time, a 
gentleman of polished, courteous manners. On the 
1st of August following, he was on the upper Mohawk, 
providing for its defense and security, and again in 
October we find him on the upper Hudson, and call- 
ing upon the Eastern States for their militia. 

There can be no doubt that the northern frontier, 
in the campaign of 1776, was indebted for its extraor- 
dinary quiet and security to the ceaseless activity of 
Gen. Schuyler. At the close of that year he was 
further instructed to build a floating battery on the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 293 

lake, at the foot of Mount Independence, and also to 
strengthen the works at Fort Stanwix. 

In the midst of such conflicting and harassing 
services, he had excited much popular jealousy and 
ill will, arising from the energy of his character, and 
the dignity of his deportment. He was likewise dis- 
gusted at what he deemed injustice, in the irregularity 
of appointing other and junior officers in separate and 
independent commands within what was considered 
to be his military district. He accordingly, in Octo- 
ber, 1776, tendered to Congress the resignation of 
his commission. But when Congress came to inves- 
tigate his services, they found them, says the historian 
of Washington, far to exceed in value any estimate 
which had been made of them. They declared that 
they could not dispense with his services, during the 
tlien situation of affairs ; and they directed the presi- 
dent of Congress to request him to continue in his 
command, and they declared their high sense of his 
services, and their unabated confidence in his attach- 
ment to the cause of freedom. 

A governor and legislature were chosen in the sum- 
mer of 1777, and in that trying season there was not 
a county in this State, as it then existed, which escaped 
a visit from the arms of the enemy. To add to the 
embarrassment of our councils in the extremity of their 
distress, the inhabitants of the northeast part of the 
State, (now Vermont,) which had been represented in 
the convention, and just then ingrafted into the con- 
stitution, under the names of the counties of Cumber- 
land and Gloucester, renounced their allegiance, and 
set up for an independent state. On the 30th of 



294 ' APPENDIX TO 

June, in that year, they were knocking at the door of 
Congress for a recognition of their independence, and 
an admission into tlie Union. 

The memorable campaign of 1777 was opened by 
an expedition of the enemy from New York to Dan- 
bury in Connecticut, and the destruction of large 
quantities of provisions, and military means collected 
and deposited in that town. In the northern quarter, 
Gen. Burgoyne advanced from Canada through the 
lakes, with a well-appointed army of 10,000 men; 
and for a time he dissipated all opposition, and swept 
every obstacle before him. Gen. Schuyler was still 
in the command of the whole northern department, 
and he made every exertion to check the progress of 
the enemy. He visited in person the different forts, 
and used the utmost activity in obtaining supplies, to 
enable them to sustain a siege. While at Albany, 
(which was his head-quarters, as previously fixed by 
Congress,) busy in accelerating the equipment and 
march of troops, Ticonderoga being assailed, was 
suddenl}^ evacuated by Gen. St. Clair. Gen. Schuy- 
ler met on the upper Hudson the news of the retreat, 
and he displayed, says tlie candid and accurate histo- 
rian of Washington, the utmost diligence and judg- 
ment in that gloomy state of things. He effectually 
impeded the navigation of Wood Creek. He rendered 
the roads impassable. He removed every kind of 
provisions and stores beyond the reach of the enemy. 
He summoned the militia of New York and New 
England to his assistance, and he answered the procla- 
mation of Burgoyne by a counter proclamation, equally 
addressed to the hopes and fears of the country. Con- 



ANNALS OF TIIYON COUNTY. 295 

gress, by their resolution of the 17th of July, 1777, 
approved all the acts of Gen. Schuyler, in reference 
' to the army at Ticonderoga. But the evacuation of 
that fortress excited great discontent in the United 
States, and Gen. Schuyler did not escape his share of 
the popular clamor, and he was made a victim to ap- 
pease it. It was deemed expedient to recall the 
general officers in the northern army, and in the 
month of August he was superseded in the command 
of that department by the arrival of Gen. Gates. The 
laurels which he was in preparation to win by his 
judicious and distinguished efforts, and which he 
would very shortly have attained, were by that re- 
moval intercepted from his brow. 

General Schuyler felt acutely the discredit of being 
recalled in the most critical and interesting period of 
the campaign of 1777 ; and when the labor and ac- 
tivity of making preparations to repair the disaster of 
it had been expended by him ; and when an oppor- 
tunity was opening, as he observed, for that resistance 
and retaliation which might bring glory upon our 
arms. If error be attributable to the evacuation of 
Ticonderoga, says the historian of Washington, no 
portion of it was committed by Gen. Schuyler. But 
his removal, though unjust and severe as respected 
himself, was rendered expedient, according to Chief 
Justice Marshall, as a sacrifice to the prejudices of 
New England. 

He was present at the capture of Burgoyne, but 
without any personal command; and the urbanity of 
his manners, and the chivalric magnanimity of his 
character, smarting as he was under the extent and 



296 APPENDIX TO 

severity of his pecuniary losses, was attested by Gen. 
Burgoyne himself, in his speech in 1778, in the 
British House of Commons. He there declared, that^ 
by his orders, " a very good dwelling-house, exceed- 
ing large storehouses, great saw^-mills, and other out- 
buildings, to the value altogether, perhaps, of 10,000/. 
belonging to Gen. Schuyler, at Saratoga, were de- 
stroyed by fire, a few days before the surrender." 
He said further, that one of the first persons he saw 
after the convention was signed, was Gen. Schuyler, 
and when expressing to him his regret at the event 
which had happened to his property, Gen. Schuyler 
desired him " to think no more of it, and that the 
occasion justified it, according to the principles and 
rules of war. He did more," said Burgoyne ; '' he 
sent an aid-de-camp to conduct me to Albany, in order, 
as he expressed it, to procure better quarters than a 
stranger might be able to find. That gentleman con- 
ducted me to a very elegant house, and, to my great 
surprise, presented me to Mrs. Schuyler and her fam- 
ily. In that house I remained during my whole stay 
in Albany, with a table with more than twenty covers 
for me and my friends, and every other possible de- 
monstration of hospitality." 

I have several times had the same relation, in sub- 
stance, from Gen. Schuyler himself, and he said that 
he remained behind at Saratoga, under the pretext of 
taking care of the remains of his property, but in 
reality to avoid giving fresh occasions for calumny and 
jealousies, by appearing in person with Burgoyne, at 
his own house. It was not until the autumn of 1778, 
that the conduct of Gen. Schuyler, in the campaign 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 297 

of 1777, was submitted to the investigation of a court- 
martial. He was acquitted of every charge with the 
highest honors, and the sentence was confirmed by 
Congress. He shortly afterward, upon his earnest 
and repeated solicitations, had leave to retire from the 
army, and he devoted the remainder of his life to the 
service of his country in its political councils. 

If the military life of Gen. Sclmyler was inferior in 
brilliancy to that of some others of his countrymen, 
none of them ever surpassed him in fidelity, activity, 
and devotedness to the service. The characteristic of 
his measures was utility. They bore the stamp and 
unerring precision of practical science. There was 
nothing complicated in his character. It was chaste 
and severe simplicity ; and, take him for all in all, 
he was one of the wisest and most efficient men, both 
in military and civil life, that the state or the nation 
has produced. 

He had been elected to Congress in 1777, and he 
was re-elected in each of the three following years. 
On his return to Congress, after the termination of his 
military life, his talents, experience, and energy were 
put in immediate requisition ; and in November, 1779, 
he was appointed to confer with General Washington, 
on the state of the southern department. In 1781, he 
was in the senate of this State ; and wherever he was 
placed, and whatever nn'ght be the business before 
him, he gave the utmost activity to measures, and 
left upon them the impression of his prudence and 
sagacity. In 1789, he was elected (o a seat in the 
first senate of the United States, and when his term 
of service expired in Congress, he was replaced in the 



298 APPENDIX TO 

senate of this State. In 1792, he was very active in 
digesting and bringing to maturity that early and 
great measure of State policy, the establishment of 
companies for inland lock navigation. Tlie whole 
suggestion was the product of his fertile and calcu- 
lating mind, ever busy in scliemes for the public wel- 
fare. He was placed at the head of tbe direction of 
both of the navigation companies, and his mind was 
ardently directed for years towards the execution of 
those liberal plans of internal improvement. In 1796, 
he urged in his place in the Senate, and afterward 
published in a pamphlet form, his plan for the im- 
provement of the revenue of this State, and, in 1797, 
his plan was almost literally adopted, and to that we 
owe the institution of the office of Comptroller. In 
1797, he was unanimously elected by the two houses 
of our Legislature, a Senator in Congress; and he 
took leave of the Senate of this State in a liberal and 
affecting address, which was inserted at large upon 
their journals. 

But the life of this great man was drawing to a 
close. I formed and cultivated a personal acquaint- 
ance with General Schuyler, while a member of the 
Legislature, in 1792, and again in 1796; and from 
1799 to his death, in the autumn of 1804, I was in 
habits of constant and friendly intimacy with him, 
and was honored with the kindest and most grateful 
attentions. His spirits were cheerful, his conversation 
most eminently instructive, his manners gentle and 
courteous, and his whole deportment tempered with 
grace and dignity. His faculties seemed to retain 
their unimpaired vigor and untiring activity ; though 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 299 

he had evidently lost some of his constitutional ardor 
of temperament and vehemence of feeling. He was 
sobered by age, chastened by affliction, broken by 
disease ; and yet nothing could surpass the interest 
excited by the mild radiance of the evening of his days. 



300 APPENDIX TO 



Note H. 



WYOMING. 

Among the claims set up by the State of Connecti- 
cut was the following : that by their charter they 
owned all lands lying between those parallels of lati- 
tude forming the northern and southern boundary of 
their State, and extending west to the Pacific Ocean. 
This claim, it will readily be perceived, would cover 
a large portion of the southern part of New York, and 
of the northern parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. In 
prosecution of this claim, a colony from Windham, in 
Connecticut, obtained a State grant for a large tract 
of land lying along the Susquehanna in the State of 
Pennsylvania, whither they removed. The valley 
they occupied was called Wyoming ; said to mean 
" Field of blood ;" so called on account of a bloody bat- 
tle fought in the neighborhood of the settlement by the 
Indians at a period anterior to the removal of the whites. 

The following account of the battle and massacre 
is taken from an interesting history of Wyoming, writ- 
ten by Isaac Chapman, Esq., late of VVilkesbarre. 
Judge Chapman lived upon the spot, and could hardly 
have failed to collect accurate materials, and to give a 
correct narrative of the events which transpired there 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY, 301 

during- the Revolutionary war. The inhabitants had 
collected in Forty Fort — the principal fort in the val- 
ley. The number of men in the fort was three hun- 
dred and sixty-eight. 

<' On the morning- of the 3d of July, 1778, the offi- 
cers of the garrison at Forty Fort held a council to 
determine on the propriety of marching from the fort, 
and attacking the enemy wherever found. The de- 
bates in this council of war are said to have been con- 
ducted with much warmth and animation. The ulti- 
mate determination was one on which depended the 
lives of the garrison and safety of the settlement. On 
one side it was contended that their enemies were 
daily increasing in numbers ; that they would plun- 
der the settlement of all kinds of property, and would 
accumulate the means of carrying on the war, while 
they themselves would become weaker; that the 
harvest would soon be ripe, and would be gathered or 
destroyed by their enemies, and all their means of sus- 
tenance during the succeeding winter would fail ; that 
probably all their messengers were killed, and as there 
had been more than sufficient time, and no assistance 
arrived, they would probably receive none, and conse- 
quently now was the proper time to make the attack. 
On the other side it was argued, tiiat probably 
some or all the messengers may have arrived at head- 
quarters, but that the absence of the commander-in- 
chief may have produced delay ; that one or two 
weeks more may bring the desired assistance, and that 
to attack the enemy, superior as they were in number, 
out of the limits of their own fort, would produce al- 
most certain destruction to the settlement and them- 



302 APPENDIX TO 

selves, and captivity, and slavery, perhaps tortnre, to 
their wives and children. While these debates were 
progressing-, five men belonging to Wyoming, but 
who at that time held commissions in the continental 
army, arived at the fort ; they had received informa- 
tion that a force from Niagara had marched to destroy 
the settlements on the Susquehanna, and being una- 
ble to bring with them any reinforcement, they re- 
signed their appointments, and hastened immediately 
to the protection of their families. They had heard 
nothing of the messengers, neither could they give 
any certain information as to the probability of relief. 

" The prospect of receiving assistance became now 
extremely uncertain. The advocates for the attack 
prevailed in the council, and at dawn of day, on the 
morning of the 3d of July, the garrison left the fort, 
and began their march up the river, under the com- 
mand of Col. Zebulon Butler. Having proceeded 
about two miles, the troops halted for the purpose of 
detaching a reconnoitering party, to ascertain the 
situation of the enemy. 

'' The scout found the enemy in possession of Fort 
Wintermoot, and occupying huts immediately around 
it, carousing in supposed security ; but on their re- 
turn to the advancing column, they met two strolling 
Indians, by whom they were fired upon, and upon 
whom they immediately returned the fire without 
effect. The settlers hastened their march for the at- 
tack, but the Indians had given the alarm, and the 
advancing troops found the enemy already formed in 
order of battle a small distance from their fort, 
with their right flank covered by a swamp, and 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 303 

their left resting upon the bank of a river. The set- 
tlers immediately displayed their column and formed 
in corresponding- order, but as the enemy was much 
superior in numbers, their line was much more 
extensive. Pine woods and bushes covered the bat- 
tle-ground, in consequence of which the movements 
of the troops could not be so quickly discovered, nor 
so well ascertained. Col. Zebulon Butler had com- 
mand of the right, and was opposed by Col. John 
Butler at the head of the British troops on the left; 
Col. Nathan Denison commanded the left, opposed 
by Brant at the head of his Indians on the enemy's 
right. The battle commenced at about forty rods dis- 
tant, and continued about fifteen minutes through the 
woods and brush, without much execution. At this 
time Brant with his Indians, having penetrated the 
swamp, turned the left flank of the settlers' line, and 
with a terrible war-whoop and savage yell made a 
desperate charge upon the troops composing that wing, 
which fell very fast, and were immediately cut to 
pieces with the tomahawk. Col. Denison having as- 
certained that the savages were gaining the rear of 
the left, gave orders for that wing to fall hack. At 
the same time Col. John Butler, finding that the line 
of the settlers did not extend as far towards ihe river 
as his own, doubled that end of his line which was 
protected by a thick growth of brushwood, and liav- 
ing brought a party of his British regulars to act in 
column upon that wing, threw Col. Zebulon Butler's 
troops into some confusion. The orders of Col. Deni- 
son for his troops io fall back, having been understood 
by many to mean a retreat, the troops began to retire 



304 APPENDIX TO 

in much disorder. The savages considered this a 
flight, and, commencing a most hideous yell, rushed 
forward with their rifles and tomahawks, and cut the 
retiring line to pieces. In this situation it was found 
impossible to rally and form the troops, and tlie rout 
became general throughout the line. The settlers 
fled in every direction, and were instantly followed 
by the savages, who killed or took prisoners whoever 
came within their reach. Some succeeded in reach- 
ing the river, and escaped by swimming across ; others 
fled to the mountains, and the savages, too much oc- 
cupied with plunder, gave up the pursuit. When the 
first intelligence was received in the village of Wilkes- 
barre tliat the battle was lost, the women fled with 
their children to the mountains, on their way to the 
settlements on the Delaware, where many of them at 
length arrived after suffering extreme hardships. 
Many of the men who escaped the battle, together 
with their w^omen and children, who were unable to 
travel on foot, took refuge in Wyoming fort, and on 
the following day, (July the 4th,) Butler and Brant, at 
the head of iheir combined forces, appeared before 
the fort, and demanded its surrender. The garrison 
being without any efficient means of defense, surren- 
dered the fort on articles of capitulation, by which the 
settlers, upon giving up their fortifications, prisoners, 
and miltary stores, were to remain in the country un- 
molested, provided they did not again take up arms, 

^'In this battle about three hundred of the settlers 
were killed or missing, and from a great part of whom 
no intelligence was ever afterward received. 

'' The conditions of the capitulation were entirely 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 305 

disregarded by the British and savage forces, and after 
the fort was delivered up, all kinds of barbarities were 
committed by them. The village of Wilkesbarre, 
consisting of twenty-three houses, was burned; men 
and their wives were separated from each other, and 
carried into captivity ; their property was plundered, 
and the settlement laid waste. The remainder of the 
inhabitants were driven from the valley, and compell- 
ed to proceed on foot sixty miles through the great 
swamp, almost without food or clothing. A number 
perished in the journey, principally women and chil- 
dren ; some died of their wounds ; others wandered 
from the path in search of food, and were lost, and 
those who survived called the wilderness through 
which they passed the shades of death .^ an appellation 
which it has since retained." 

Catrine Montour, who might well be termed a 
fury, acted a conspicuous part in this tragedy. She 
followed in the train of the victorious army, ransack- 
ing the heaps of slain, and, with her arms covered 
with gore, barbarously murdering the wounded, who 
in vain supplicated for their lives. 

Halleck, in allusion to the massacre at Wyoming, 
has the following interesting lines : 

" There is a woman, widowed, gray, and old, 
Who tells you where the foot of battle stept 
Upon their day of massacre. She told 
Its tale, and pointed to the spot, and wept, 
Whereon her father and five brothers slept 
Shroudless, the bright dreamed slumbers of the brave, 
When all the land a funeral mourning kept. 
And there wild laurels planted on the grave, 
By Nature's hand in air their pale red blossoms wave." 

14 



306 APPENDIX TO 

" MASSACRE OF WYOMING. (Pa.) 

" Perhaps the last survivor of this event, which has 
been made the subject of the interesting poem of the 
gifted Campbell, is the person whose death is recorded 
in the annexed notice. The actual horrors of the 
scene of death and conflagration, or the dramatic inci- 
dent embodied in the fiction founded upon it, must be 
vivid in the recollection of our readers. 

" A MOTHER OF WYOMING 

" We find in a Connecticut paper, an account of the 
recent decease of Mrs. Esther Skinner, of Torringford, 
in the one hundredth year of her age. Mrs. S. lost a 
husband, a brother, and two sons, in the war of the 
American Revolution. She, with her family, was a 
resident of Wyoming, at the massacre of its inhabit- 
ants by D. and T. and the Indians and Tories. Her 
two sons fell beneath the tomahawk, but the mother, 
almost by miracle, escaped with six of her children. 
Her son-in-law was the only man that escaped out of 
twenty, who threw themselves into the river, and 
attempted to hide themselves beneath the foliage that 
overhung the banks. All the others were succes- 
sively massacred as they hung by the branches in the 
river. He alone was undiscovered. The mother 
travelled back to Torringford, where she has led a 
useful life ever since — often cheerful, though the 
cloud of pensiveness, brought on by her sorrows, was 
never entirely dissipated. But one of her children 
survives her." — Journal of Commerce^ Aug. 16, 1831. 



AN.NALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 307 



Note I. 

Extract of a Letter from Captain Courish, of the JYew 
England militia j dated Albany, March lth,l'7S2, 

The following interesting document was origi- 
nally copied by the aiuhor from a newspaper pub- 
lished in the county of Dutchess during the Revolu- 
tion. It appeared in the paper without further note 
or comment than is given below. It was long sup- 
posed to be authentic. It seems, however, that the 
article was written by Dr. Franklin. Still it embodies 
only statements, the counterparts of which were con- 
stantly occurring on the frontier. The grand motlier 
of the author, who was an Indian prisoner, and was 
also detained nearly a year a prisoner at Fort Niagara, 
saw, while in that fort, large bundles of scalps brought 
in by the Indians. 

The peltry taken in the expedition will, as you 
see, amount to a good deal of money. The possession 
of this booty at first gave us pleasure ; but we were 
struck with horror to find among the packages eight 
large ones, containing scalps of our unhappy folks 
taken in the three last years by the Seneca Indians, 
from the inhabitants of the frontiers of New York, 



308 APPENDIX TO 

New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and sent by 
them as a present to Col. Haldiman, Governor of 
Canada, in order to be by him transmitted to England. 
They were accompanied by the following curious 
letter to that gentleman : 

'' Tioga, January Zd, 1782. 
'' May it please your Excellency — . 
'' At the request of the Seneca chiefs, I send here- 
with to your Excellency, under the care of James 
Boyd, eight packs of scalps, cured, dried, hooped, and 
painted with all the Indian triumphal marks, of which 
the following is invoice and explanation. 

No. 1. Containing 43 scalps of Congress soldiers, 
killed in different skirmishes ; these are stretched 
on black hoops, four inch diameter ; the inside 
of the skin painted red, with a small black spot 
to note their being killed with bullets. Also 62 
of farmers, killed in their houses ; the hoops red ; 
the skin painted brown, and marked with a hoe ; 
a black circle all round to denote their being sur- 
prised in the night ; and a black hatchet in the 
middle, signifying their being killed with that 
weapon. 

No. 2. Containing 98 of farmers, killed in their 
houses ; hoops red ; figure of a hoe, to mark 
their profession ; great white circle and sun, to 
show they were surprised in the daytime ; a little 
red foot, to show they stood upon their defense, 
and died fighting for their lives and families. 

No. 3. Containing 97 of farmers ; hoops green, to 
show they were killed in their fields ; a large 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 309 

white circle with a little round mark on it for the 
sun, to show that it was in the daytime ; black 
bullet mark on some — hatchet on others. 

No. 4. Containing 102 of farmers, mixed of the seve- 
ral marks above ; only 18 marked with a little 
yellow flame, to denote their being of prisoners 
burnt alive, after being scalped, their nails pulled 
out by the' roots, and other torments ; one of these 
latter supposed to be of a rebel clergyman, his 
band being fixed to the hoop of his scalp. Most 
of the farmers appear by the hair to have been 
young or middle-aged men ; there being but 67 
very grey heads among them all ; which makes 
the service more essential. 

No. 5. Containing 88 scalps of women ; hair long, 
braided in the Indian fashion, to show they were 
mothers ; hoops blue ; skin yellow ground, with 
little red tadpoles, to represent, by way of tri- 
umph, the tears of grief occasioned to their rela- 
tions ; a black scalping-knife or hatchet at the 
bottom, to mark their being killed with those 
instruments ; 17 others, hair very gray ; black 
hoops ; plain brown color, no mark but the short 
club or cassetete, to show they were knocked 
down dead, or had their brains beat out. 

No. 6. Containing 193 boys' scalps of various ages ; 
small green hoops ; whitish ground on the skin, 
with red tears in the middle, and black bullet 
marks, knife, hatchet, or club, as their deaths 
happened. 

No. 7. 211 girls scalped, big and little ; small yellow 
hoops; white ground; tears, hatchet, club, scalp- 
ing-knife, &c. 



810 APPENDIX TO 

No. 8. This package is a mixture of all the varieties 
abovementioned, to the number of 122; with a 
box of birch bark, containing 29 little infants' 
scalps of various sizes ; small white hoops ; white 
ground. 
*^ With these packs the Chiefs send to your excellen- 
cy the following speech, delivered by Coneiogatchie, 
in council, interpreted by the elder Moore, the trader, 
and taken down by me in writing. 

" Father! — We send you herewith many scalps, 
that you may see that we are not idle friends. A blue 
belt. 

^'Father! — We wish you to send these scalps 
over the water to the great King, that he may regard 
them and be refreshed ; and that he may see our faith- 
fulness in destroying his enemies, and be convinced 
that his presents have not been made to ungrateful 
people. A blue and white belt with red tassels. 

" Father! — Attend to what I am now going to say ; 
it is a matter of much weight. The. great King's 
enemies are many, and they grow fast in number. 
They were formerly like young panthers ; they could 
neither bite nor scratch ; we could play with them 
safely ; we feared nothing they could do to us. But 
now their bodies are become big as the elk, and strong 
as the buffalo; they have also gotgreat and sharp claws. 
They have driven us out of our country by taking part 
in your quarrel. We expect the great King will give 
us another country, that our children may live after 
uSj and be his friends and children as we are. Say 
this for us to the great King. To enforce it we give 
this belt. A great white belt with blue tassels. 

*' Father! — We have only to say further, that your 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY, 



811 



traders exact more than ever for their goods ; and our 
hunting is lessened by the war, so that we have 
fewer skins to give for them. This ruins us. Think 
of some remedy. We are poor, and you have plenty 
of everything. We know you will send us powder 
and guns, and knives, and hatchets ; but we also 
want shirts and blankets. A little white belt." 

" I do not doubt but that your excellency will think 
it proper to give some further encouragement to those 
honest people. The high prices they complain of, 
are the necessary effect of the war. Whatever pres- 
ents may be sent for them through my hands shall 
be distributed with prudence and fidelity. I have the 
honor of being, 

Your excellency's most obedient, 

And most humble servant, 

JAMES CRAUFURD." 



312 APPENDIX TO 



Note J. 

CHRISTIAN SHELL. 

Among the persons who distinguished themselves by 
their personal courage was Christian Shell, of Shell's 
Bush, in the now county of Herkimer. He refused 
to go into any of the forts, but built a blockhouse 
upon his farm. These houses were usually built of 
hewn timber. The first story had no windows, but 
several loop-holes, through which those within could 
fire upo'i tl e enemy. The second story projected over 
the first two or three feet. Through this projection 
there were likewise apertures, through which the 
persons within could fire upon, or cast down missiles 
upon the assailants if they approached the house to 
force an entrance. The statements contained in the 
following specimen of rude poetry are true. The 
.year following this rencontre, the Indians stole the 
march upon Shell, and shot him while engaged in 
his work on his farm. His wife and children then 
removed to some of the forts. 

A story, a story, 

Unto you I will tell, 
Concerning a brave hero, 

One Christian Shell, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 313 

Who was attacked by the savages 

And Tories, as is said. 
But for this attack 

Most dearly they paid. 

The sixth day of August, 

He went to his field. 
Determined if the enemy 

Came, never to yield. 

Two sons he had along with him. 

Resolved were the same ; 
About the middle of the afternoon, 

These invaders, they came. 

He fled unto his blockhouse. 

For to save his life, 
Where he had left his arms 

In the care of his wife. 

The enemy took prisoners, 

Two sons that were twins, 
About eight years of age ; 

Soon the battle it begins. 

They advanced upon him. 

And began to fire. 
But Christian with his blunderbuss 

Soon made them retire. ^ 

He wounded Donald McDonald, 

And drew him in the door, 
Who gave an account 

There was strength sixty-four. 

They fought from two in the afternoon 
Until the closing of the light ; 
14* 



S14 ^ APPENDIX TO 

Shell's son was slightly wounded 
Before that it was night. 

The old woman she has spoiled 

Five guns, as I have since been told, 

With nothing but a chopping axe, 
Which shows that she was bold. 

Six there was wounded. 

And eleven there was killed. 

Of this said party, 

Before they quit the field. 

The Indians were forty-eight. 

And Tories full sixteen, 
By old Shell and his two sons, 

Oh, the like was never seen. 

Not like to get assistance, 

Nor any body's help. 
They thought for to affright him 

By setting up their yelp. 

But God was his assistant. 
His buckler and his shield, 

He dispersed this cruel enemy. 
And made them quit the field. 

Come all you Tryon Coimty men. 
And never be dismayed, 

But trust in the Lord, 
And he will be your aid. 

Trust in the Lord with all your might. 
And call upon his name, 

And he will help you as he did Shell 
To his immortal fame, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 31 5 

An account similar to the foregoing was related to 
me by Col. Nicholas Fish. In the spring of 1779, 
and a few days before the army broke up its encamp- 
ment near the Hudson, the Indians and Tories burned 
the settlement of Warwarsing. A detachment from 
the army was sent to the assistance of the place. 
Before their arrival it was mostly destroyed. They 
succeeded, however, in relieving a part of the inhabi- 
tants, and especially one man, who had defended 
himself bravely. His house was in the woods, and in 
advance of all the others in the settlement. He fled 
into his house with his wife on the approach of the 
Indians. Here he defended himself with such spirit 
that he drove the party who had attacked him back, 
and forced them to seek shelter behind the trees. 
The Indians then collected combustibles, and setting 
them on fire, rushed up, and threw them on the house. 
The flames caught. He then took two pails, and ran 
to a spring several rods distant, and filling them hastily 
with water, returned to the house. The Indians 
again rushed up, determined to take him, and threw 
their tomahawks, and were at the door almost the 
same instant that it was closed. He succeeded in extin- 
guishing the fire. At this juncture the detachment 
came up, and the Indians fled . The ofiicers, as a tes- 
timony of their admiration of his courage, made a 
liberal present of money to him, which they raised by 
contribution. 



316 APPENDIX TO 



Note K. 

THE SACRIFICE OF THE SENECAS. 

The following account of the sacrifice of the Sene- 
cas, is taken from the 4th volume of Dwight's Travels, 
and was communicated to him hy the Rev. Mr. Kirk- 
land. 

" At the time when the Senecas return from hunt- 
ing in January or February, they annually keep a 
feast seven days ; the professed object of which is, to 
render thanks to the Great Spirit for the benefits 
they have received from him during the preceding 
year, and to solicit the continuance of them through 
the year to come. On the evening before the feast 
commences they kill two dogs, and after painting 
them with various colors, and dressing them with or- 
naments, suspend them in the centre of the camp, or 
in some conspicuous place in the village. 

*^ The whole of this solemn season is spent in feast- 
ing and dancing. Two select bands, one of men, and 
another of women, ornamented with a variety of 
trinkets, and furnished each with an ear of corn, 
which is held in the right hand, begin the dance at 
the council house. Both choirs, the men leading 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 317 

the way, dance in a circle around the council-fire, 
which is kindled for the occasion, and regulate their 
steps by music. Hence they proceed to every house 
in the village, and in the same manner dance in a 
circle around each fire. 

" On one of the festival days they perform a pe- 
culiar religious ceremony, for the purpose of driving 
away evil spirits from their habitations. Three men 
clothe themselves in the skins of wild beasts, and 
cover their faces with masks of a hideous appearance, 
and their hands with the shell of the tortoise. In this 
garb they go from house ^to house, making a horrid 
noise, and in every house take the fuel from the fire 
and scatter the embers and ashes about the floor with 
their hands. 

" Toward the close of the festival they erect a fu- 
neral pile, place it upon the two dogs, and set it on 
fire. When they are partly consumed, one of them 
is taken off and put into a large kettle, with vegeta- 
bles of every kind which they have cultivated during 
the year. The other dog is consumed in the fire. 
The ashes of the pile are then gathered up, carried 
through the village and sprinkled at the door of every 
house. When this ceremony is ended, which is al- 
ways near the close of the seventh day, all the inhab- 
itants feast together upon the contents of the kettle ; 
and thus the festival is terminated. 

" This mode of exhibiting their gratitude is cer- 
tainly far from gratifying the feelings of a Christian, 
yet I think several of the American States might learn 
from these savages the important lesson, that it be- 
comes a people possessing the light of revelation, to 



318 APPENDIX TO 

render annually a public tribute of thanksgiving to 
the Great Benefactor of Mankind for the blessings 
which they have received during the year from his 
bountiful hand. 

" This, however, is not the only religious service 
which has existed among the Six Nations. Mr. Kirk- 
land informed me that while he was crossing the 
Oneida Lake with a fleet of canoes, a violent storm 
arose, from which the fleet was in the utmost danger 
of perishing. The chief sachem, in Wliose canoe Mr. 
Kirkland was, took from a box in the stern a small 
quantity of fine powder, made of a fragrarit herb un- 
known to Mr. Kirkland, and scattered it on the 
water. This he found was intended as an oblation 
to the Deity acknowledged by the sachem." 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 319 



Note L. 

NUMBER OF INDIAN WARRIORS EMPLOYED IN 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

An estimate of the Indian nations employed by 
the British in the Revolutionary war, with the num- 
ber of warriors annexed to each nation ; by Captain 
Dalton, superintendent of Indian affairs for the United 
States, who, after being several -years a prisoner with 
the enemy, arrived at Philadelphia, where he pub- 
lished the following account, 5th August, 1783. 

Choctaws - - . 600 Tuscaroras - - - 200 

Chickasaws - - 400 Onondagas - - - 300 

Cherokees - - - 500 .Cayugas - - - - 230 

Creeks - - - 700 Jeneckaws (Senecas)* 400 

Plankishaws - - 400 Sues and Sothuse - 1300 

Oniactmaws - - 300 Putawawtawmaws - 400 

Kackapoes - - 500 Tulawin - - - - 150 

Munseys - - - 150 Muskulthe, or Nation 

Delawares - - - 500 of Fire - - - 250 

Shawanaws - - 300 Reiners, or Foxes - 300 

* In 1783 Mr. Kirkland estimated the whole number of fighting 
men in the Seneca tribe at 600. 



320 



APPENDIX TO 



Mohickons - 
Uchipweys 
Ottaways - 
Mohawks 
Oneidas* - 



60 

3000 

300 

300 

150 



Puyon - - - 350 
Sokkie - - - - 450 
Abinokkie, or the St. 
Lawrence - - 200 



Warriors 



12,690 



* The Rev. Mr. Kirkland informed Dr. Stiles that there were 410 
souls before the war, and that 120 joined the enemy. 
10th vol. Mass. Collections, page 123. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 32 1 



Note M. 

The Direct Agency of the English Government in the 
employment of the Indians in the Revolutionary War. 
By William W. Campbell, Read by Mr. Campbell, 
October 7th, 1645, before the J\^ew York Historical 
Society. 

Nearly forty j^ears before the commencement of 
the Revolutionary war, a young man arrived in the 
valley of the Mohawk, who was destined to exert a 
greater influence than any other individual since the 
settlement of the province of New York, over the 
Indians who dwelt within its borders. He was in 
early manhood, but little over twenty years of age, 
and was entrusted with an extensive and important 
agenc3^ He was of a good family — an Irishman by 
birth — a nephew of Sir Peter Warren, and had charge 
of a large landed property belonging to his uncle, 
which was situated in that vicinity. He rose rapidly 
in public estimation, for he had talent and opportu- 
nity for its exercise. He early entered the provincial 
army — leading sometimes the provincial troops, and 
sometimes the warriors of the Six Nations. In 1755 
he gained a signal victory over the French on the 
northern frontiers of New York. The English gov- 
ernment created him a baronet, and granted him five 



822 APPENDIX TO 

thousand pounds, and he was appointed a superin- 
tendent of Indian affairs for the northern provinces, 
with a salary of a thousand pounds a year. The 
fame and the fortune of Sir William Johnson were 
made. 

He continued in the exercise of his important du- 
ties down to the period of his death. He was a man 
of stern and determined purpose, but urbane and con- 
ciliatory when necessary, and held a controlling influ- 
ence over the Indians and most of the inhabitants of 
the frontier. For nearly twenty years he resided at 
his place, called Fort Johnson, and which is situated 
in the valley of the Mohawk, about three miles west 
of Amsterdam. He afterwards removed to Johnsoa 
Hall, near the village of Johnstown, and where he 
spent the remaining years of his life. In the month 
of July, 1774, an Indian council was called at John- 
son Hall, and besides a large number of the Six Na- 
tions, there assembled at his house. Governor Frank- 
lin of New Jersey, the judges of the Supreme Court 
of New York, and other gentlemen of consideration 
and influence in the province. During the sitting of 
this council, on the 11th July, 1774, Sir William died 
suddenly. He had been, it is^aid, previously unwell, 
and the exertion which he made was greater than he 
could bear. It was alleged at the time, by those who 
espoused the American cause, that he purposely has- 
tened his death, having determined never to lead his 
Indian warriors against a people with whom he had 
so long dwelt on the most friendly terms ; and at the 
same time, being unwilling to disregard the instruc- 
tions and wishes of a government which had so highly 
honored and enriched him. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 323 

An eye-witness, under date of 13tb of July, 1774, 
thus writes : " The corpse of the late Sir William 
Johnson was carried from Johnson Hall to Johnstown, 
and deposited in the family vault in the church which 
he erected, attended by upwards of two thousand 
persons from the neighboring country, with the In- 
dians, who all behaved with the greatest decorum, 
and exhibited the most lively marks of real sorrows 
The pall was supported by his Excellency, the Gov- 
ernor of New Jersey,- the Judges of the Supreme 
Court of New York, and other persons of note who 
happened to be at Johnstown at that time ; and on 
their return from the funeral to Johnson Hall, the 
Indians acquainted Colonel Johnson that they would 
perform the ceremony of condolence the next day." 
They wished, they said, *' to kindle up anew the fires 
at Johnstown and Onondaga." 

Johnson Hall, the residence of Sir William at the 
time of his death, was situated upon an eminence, and 
overlooked the village and the church, from which it 
was distant about one mile ; and the scene must have 
been one of an imposing character, as the long fune- 
ral procession moved slowly down the winding ave- 
nue, conveying to its last resting-place all that re- 
mained of him who had for so many years been the 
first man upon the borders. They who were soon 
after to be 'known as patriot and loyalist, as Whig 
and Tory, walked side by side, and mingled their 
tears together. The dusky Indian warrior bowed his 
head in sorrow by the side of the pale face, with whom 
he was not to meet again, except in the fierce and 
bloody contests which were soon to be waged. Some, 



324 APPENDIX TO 

perhaps, met for the first time afterwards in bloody 
strife upon the same ground over which they bore the 
corpse of the good old chieftain. 

Thus died Sir William Johnson; and he died as he 
had lived, surrounded by Indian warriors. The In- 
dian superintendency was to pass into other hands, 
and new and perilous scenes were preparing for the 
inhabitants of the frontiers of New York. 

Sir William Johnson left one son. Sir John John- 
son, and two daughters, one of whom was married to 
Colonel Daniel Claus, and the other to Colonel Gu}^ 
Johnson. The latter was a distant relative of Sir 
William, and for thirty years had been also intimately 
acquainted with Indian affairs. In 1762, then being 
a lieutenant in the British army, he was appointed by 
Sir William, a deputy superintendent. For some 
time previous to his death, Sir William seems to have 
felt that his life was precarious, and deemed it a mat- 
ter of great importance that a successor should be 
appointed. In April, 1774, a few months before his 
death, he w^rote a pressing letter to the English gov- 
ernment, strongly urging such an appointment at 
once, and recommending Colonel Guy Johnson. He 
spoke of the duties and fatigues growing out of his 
civil and military employments, and observed that 
they had drawn upon him a train of infirmities which 
had often threatened his life, and at best had rendered 
it precarious. '' I have often," said he, '' carried the 
most important points merely through personal influ- 
ence, when all other means had failed. If, therefore, 
I have the least claim to indulgence in support of the 
application of the Indians, I cannot withhold my 



AxNNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 325 

warmest recommendation in favor of the gentleman 
they wish for; and whilst I assure your lordship that 
I rate my present reputation and future fame too high 
to prostitute it for interest or partiality, would rather 
hazard the imputation of both than refuse my testi- 
mony towards a measure that may benefit the public 
when I am no more." 

The recommendation of Sir William Johnson pro- 
cured the appointment of Colonel Guy Johnson as his 
successor. The place was one of great power and 
responsibility. There were within the department at 
that time, 130,000 Indians, of whom 25,420 were 
fighting men. The Six Nations numbered about 
10,000, and had two thousand bold and skillful war- 
riors. The whole population of the province of New 
York in 1774 was 182,251, and an estimate of the 
militia was 32,000. In 1771, the county of Albany, 
then embracing all the northern and western part of 
the province, and extending from the banks of the~ 
Hudson on to the great cataract of Niagara, contained 
only 38,829 inhabitants. 

In 1772, the county of Tryon, named after the then 
governor of the province, was formed, and it embraced 
the whole section of the State west of a north and 
south line running nearly through the centre of the 
present county of Schoharie. It contained, probably, 
a population of 10,000. Johnstown was the county 
town. There was no section of the country which 
felt so deep an interest in the movements and opera- 
tions of the Indians as the inhabitants of this latter 
county. The population was sparse, and they were 
exposed upon the south, the west, and the north, and 



326 APPENDIX TO 

had in their midst, and immediately around them, an 
Indian population equal in number to their own. If 
we consider that there were more than twenty-five 
thousand Indian warriors, in some measure under the 
control of the superintendent, located in the valley of 
the Mohawk, it will at once be seen that if the Indians 
should be prevailed upon to take part in the contest 
then about commencing, the situation of the inhabit- 
ants would be one of extreme peril. It was with feel- 
ings of deep interest, therefore, that they learned that 
the new superintendent had called an Indian coun- 
cil, to be held at Guy Park, his place of residence, in 
the month of May, 1775. 

The political elements were all in motion. Tories 
and Whigs were arraying themselves and preparing 
for the issue. As early as August, 1774, the inhab- 
itants, at a meeting held at Palatine, had resolved, 
among other things, that they deeply sympathized 
with the inhabitants of Boston, who were suffering 
imder the oppressive act for blocking up the port, 
and they added, ''we will join and unite with our 
brethren of the rest of this colony in any thing tend- 
ing to support and defend our rights and liberties." 

On the 20th of May, 1775, and just previous to the 
Indian council at Guy Park, Col. Guy Johnson, the 
superintendent, addressed the following letter to the 
magistrates and committees of the western districts : 
" Gentlemen, I have lately had repeated accounts 
that a body of New Englanders, or other men, were 
to come and seize and carry away my person, and 
attack our family under color of malicious insinua- 
tions, that I intended to set the Indians upon the peo- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 327 

pie. Men of sense and character know that my 
office is of the highest importance to promote peace 
amongst the Six Nations, and prevent their entering 
into any such disputes. This I effected last year, 
when they were much vexed about the attack made 
upon the Shawnese, and I last winter appointed them 
to meet me this month to receive the answer of the 
Virginians. All men must allow that if the Indians 
find their council-fire disturbed and their superintend- 
ent insulted, they will take a dreadful revenge. It 
is therefore the duty of all people to prevent this, and 
to satisfy any who may have been injured, and that 
their suspicions and the allegations they have col- 
lected against me are false, and inconsistent with my 
character and office. I recommend this to you as 
highly necessary at this time, as my regard for the 
interest of the country and self-preservation has 
obliged me to fortify my house, and keep men armed 
for my defense, till these idle and malicous reports 
are removed." 

The committee, to whom this letter was addressed, 
observed very truly, that they had an open enemy 
before their faces, and treacherous friends at their 
back, but they resolved that the conduct of Col. John- 
son was alarming, arbitrary and unwarrantable, inas- 
much as he was stopping and searching travellers 
upon the king's highway, and they added that they 
would ^'defend their freedom with their lives and 
fortunes." 

On the 25th of May, 1775, the Indian council con- 
vened at Guy Park, but the Mohawks alone were in 
attendance. A delegation from the Committee of 



328 APPENDIX TO 

Safety was also present, and contradicted the report 
which had been freely circidated among the Indians, 
that there was an intention to seize the superin- 
tendent. 

Dissatisfied with the council which had been held 
at his house, yet professing to be desirous to promote 
peace between the Indians and the inhabitants, Guy 
Johnson had called another council to meet in the 
western part of the county. Under pretense of meet- 
ing the Indians in this council, he removed his whole 
family and retinue to Cosby's Manor, a little above the 
German Flats. Here he was waited upon byanother 
delegation from the committee, and in answer to a 
communication they addressed to him, among other 
things he observed : '^ I am glad to find my calling a 
congress on the frontier gives satisfaction. This was 
principally my design, though I cannot sufficiently ex- 
press my surprise at those who have either through 
malice or ignorance misconstrued my intentions^ and 
supposed me capable of setting the Indians on the peace- 
able inhabitants of this county. The interest our 
family has in this county and ray own is considera- 
ble, and they have been its best benefactors ; and 
malicious charges, therefore, to their prejudice are 
highly injurious, and ought to be totally suppressed ;" 
and he concluded by stating, '' 1 am very sorry that 
such idle and injurious reports meet with any en- 
couragement. I rely on you, gentlemen, to exert 
yourselves in discontinuing them, and am happy in 
this opportunity of assuring the people of a county I 
regard, that they have nothing to apprehend from 
my endeavors, but I shall always be glad to promote 
their true interest.^' 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 329 

The Provincial Congress of New York addressed 
a letter to Col. Johnson on the same subject, and in 
his reply, written from Fort Stanwix, he says: "I 
trust I shall always manifest more humanity than to 
promote the destruction of the innocent inhabitants of 
a colony to which I have been always warmly at- 
tached; a declaration that must appear perfectly suita- 
ble to the character of a man of honor and principle." 
Among the documents obtained by the historical 
agent of this State, are copies of three letters, taken 
from drafts and originals in the State Paper Office at 
London, and which throw much light upon the ques-- 
tion of the agency of the government in the em- 
ployment of the Indians. 

One of these is a letter from Guy Johnson to Lord 
Dartmouth, the Secretary, dated at Montreal, 12th 
October, 1775, and after reading the letters of the su- 
perintendent to the Committee of Tryon County, and 
to the Provincial Congress, we might exclaim, with 
Hamlet, '^ook here on this picture, and on this." 
After enumerating his difficulties and embarrass- 
ments, and repealing to his lordship the reports, that 
it was determined to seize upon his person at Guy 
Park, and that he had convened an Indian council 
there in May, he adds : " And having then received 
secret instructions from General Gage respecting the 
7neasures I had to take, I left home the last of that 
month, and by the help of a body of white men and 
Indians arrived with great difficulty at Ontario, where 
in a little time I assembled 1455 Indians, and adjust- 
ed matters with them in such a manner that they 
agreed to defend the communication and assist his 
15 



330 APPENDIX TO 

majestyh troops in their operations. The beginning of 
July I set out for this place with a chosen body of 
them, and rangers to the number of 220, not being 
able to get any craft or even provisions for more, and 
arrived here the 17th of that month, and soon after 
convened a second body of the northern confederacy, 
to the amount of 1700 and upwards, who entered into 
the same arrangement, notwithstanding they had 
declined coming in some time before on Gov. Carle- 
ton's requisition, their minds having been corrupted 
by New England emissaries." 

And thus, at the very time he was writing the let- 
ters to the committees, and protesting that he had no^ 
intentions of engaging the Indians in the contest, he 
had in his possession the secret instructions of Gen. 
Gage, under which he was acting, and in pursuance 
of which he arranged with more than three thousand 
warriors to take up the hatchet. 

The other two letters to which I have alluded, 
were from Lord Dartmouth to Col. Johnson, and 
they settle the question as to the active agency of the 
English government in the employment of the Indi- 
ans. The first letter is dated 5th July, 1775, and is 
as follows : *' I have received your letter of the 17th 
of March, No. 7, and have laid it before the king. 
The present state of affairs in his majesty's colonies, 
in which an unnatural rebellion has broke out that 
threatened to ')verturn the constitution, precludes all 
immediate consideration in the domestic concerns of 
the Indians under your protection. Nor is it to be ex- 
pected that any measures which the king may think 
fit to take, for redressing the injuiiesthey complain of 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 33 1 

respecting- their lands, can, in the present moment, be 
attended with any effect. It will be proper, however, 
that you should assure them in the strongest terms of 
his majesty's firm resolution to protect them and pre- 
serve them in all their rights, and it is more than ever 
necessary that you should exert the utmost vigilance 
to discover whether any artifices are used to engage 
them in the support of the rebellious proceedings of 
his majesty's subjects, to counteract such treachery, 
and to keep them in such a state of affection and 
attachment to the king, as that his majesty may rely 
upon their assistance in any case in which it unay be ne- 
cessary to require if.^^ 

On the 24th of July Lord Dartmouth wrote the 
second letter, nineteen days after writing the first, and 
during which time the news of the battle of Bunker 
Hill had reached London. 

'^ Sir, t have already in my letter to you of the 5th 
inst. hinted that the time might possibly come when 
the King, relying upon the attachment of his faithful 
allies, the Six Nations of Indians, might be under the 
necessity of calling upon them for their aid and assist- 
ance in the present state of America. The unnatu- 
ral rebellion now raging there calls for every effort 
to suppress it, and the intelligence his majesty has 
received of the rebels having excited the Indians to 
take a part, and of their having actually engaged a 
body of them in arms to support their rebellion, justi- 
fies the resolution his majesty has taken of requiring 
the assistance of his faithful adherents, the Six Na- 
tions. 

^* It is J therefore^ his majesty's pleasure, that you do 



332 APPENDIX TO 

lose no time in taking such steps as may induce them to 
take up the hatchet against his majesty's rebellious sub- 
jects in America^ and to engage them in his majesty's 
service J upon such 'plan as shall be suggested to you by 
Ge7ieral Gage, to whom this letter is sent, accompanied 
with a large assortment of goods for p>resents to them, 
upon this important occasion, 

" Whether the engaging the Six Nations to take 
up arms in defense of his majesty's government, is 
most likely to be effected by separate negotiations with 
the chiefs, or in a general council assembled for the 
purpose, must be left to your judgment, but at all 
events, as it is a service of very great importance, you 
will not fail to exert every effort that may tend to ac- 
complish it, and to use the utmost diligence and 
activity in the execution of the views I have now the 
honor to transmit to you. I am, &c., 

Dartmouth." 

These letters settle the question as to the direct 
agency of the English government in the employ- 
ment of the Indians. The directions are peremptory 
in their language, and admit of no discretion. It was 
the command of George the Third, tliat the Indians 
should be employed, and the Secretary lays the com- 
mand upon the Indian Superintendent. With how 
much faithfulness and zeal that Superintendent exe- 
cuted the command, is known to all who have looked 
into the history of the war, as it was carried on upon 
the borders. 

But it is alleged, in justification, that the rebels had 
instigated the Indians to take up the hatchet in their 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 333 

behalf. A few of the Stockbridge tribe did early join 
the continental army ; but they were few in number 
and comparatively a civilized people. I havefsearch- 
ed the records of the Committee of Safety, and of the 
Provincial Congress of New York, but have not been 
able to find a letter or a speech or even a secret re- 
solve in favor of the employment of the Indians, but 
there are letters, and speeches, and resolves innumer- 
able in favor of a strict neutrality. 

At the council of Guy Park in May, 1775, the gen- 
tlemen who attended on the part of the Committee of 
Safety of Tryon County stated in their speech, that 
they desired peace with the Indians, and in the reply, 
the Indians said, ^« Brothers, we are very glad to hear 
you speak and hear you confirm the old friendship of 
our forefathers, which we intend to abide by and thank 
you for the same." 

At the same time, the magistrates and committees 
of Schenectady and Albany, in a reply to a speech of 
the piincipal Mohawk chief, made in behalf of his 
tribe, said : 

'' Brothers, we are extremely well satisfied to hear 
that you have no inclination or purpose to interfere 
in the dispute between Old England and America, 
for you must not understand that it is with Boston 
alone, it is between Old England and all her colonies. 
The people here are oppressed by Old England, and 
she sends over troops among us, to destroy us. This 
is the reason our people are all in alarm to defend 
themselves. They intend no hostilities against you. 
Do you continue peaceable, and you need apprehend 
no danger. It is a dispute wherein you have nothing 



334 APPENDIX TO 

to do. Do not you disturb any of our people, and de- 
pend upon it they will leave you in peace." 

In a communication to Guy Johnson, under the 
same date, May 23d, the Albany committee say — 
" We are not ignorant of the importance of your of- 
fice as Superintendent, and have been perfectly easy, 
with respect to any suspicions of the Indians taking 
a part in the present dispute between Great Britain 
and her colonies, knowing them to be a people of too 
much sagacity to engage with the whole continent 
in a controversy that they can profit nothing by." 

On the 2d of September, 1775, a conference was 
was had at Albany, between the committees and a few 
of the Six Nations, and at which commissioners on 
the part of the Continental Congress were present. 
In their reply to the speech of the Indians, the com- 
mittee among other things say : 

'' Brothers, attend ! In your speech you further ob- 
served, that you had long since taken a resolution to 
take no active part in the present contest for liberty. 
We do not offer to censure you for your conduct, but 
admire your wisdom, praise your pacific disposition, 
and hope that you will have fortitude to maintain and 
persevere in it." 

On the 10th day of June, 1775, the delegates from 
New York in the Continental Congress, Philip Living-' 
ston, Francis Lewis, James Duane, William Floyd, 
and John Alsop, addressed a letter from Philadelphia 
to the Provincial Congress of New York, in which 
they say : ''We shall not fail to attend to what you 
suggest concerning the Indians. This is an object to 
our colony of the highest moment, and we hope in 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 335 

due time it will be considered by Congress. We tbink 
the Indians will not be disposed to engage in this un- 
happy quarrel, unless deceived and deluded by mis- 
representation, and this with vigilance and care on our 
part can be prevented. As one step towards it which 
we much applaud, are the assurances you have given 
the Superintendent of his safety." 

The proof could be multiplied, if necessary, by many 
such extracts from the letters, speeches and proceed- 
ings of the various public bodies, which were called 
into existence by the exigencies of the times. The 
English government understood the mode of Indian 
warfare, and could not have failed to foresee, that their 
employment would make the war one almost of ex- 
termination upon the borders. That the tomahawk, 
the scalping-knife, and the fire-brand would do their 
fearful work, not alone on the field of battle, where 
armed men meet, but also among the women and 
children in the homes of the unarmed and defenseless. 

Such reflections must have forced themselves upon 
the attention of the English Secretary, when he penned 
his letter of the 19th of July, 1775, and he felt called 
upon to give some excuse for the course which his 
king and government had determined to pursue. 

I have already spoken of the departure of the In- 
dians with General Johnson in the summer of 1775. 
Few of the Mohawks ever returned to dwell in their 
homes upon the banks of that river which bears their 
name. The graves of their ancestors were abandon- 
ed. Their council -fires were extinguished. That 
they should remain attached to the English govern- 
ment is by no means strange, for they had been their 



336 APPENDIX TO 

allies ill war, and dependents in peace, and the 
chain of friendship had been brightened by constant 
use for more than an hundred years. They returned 
however as enemies, and with the other confederated 
tribes laid waste the frontier settlements of New York 
and Pennsylvania. Year after year they swept over 
the valleys of the Schoharie, the Mohawk, and the 
Susquehanna, until there was scarcely a spot remain- 
ing, where the destroyer had not left the impression 
of his footsteps. It is impossible now to say what 
would have been the fate of the Six Nations, had they 
remained neutral in the revolutionary contest. There 
can be little doubt, however, that their final removal 
from the land they had so long inhabited would have 
been delayed. If their employment by the English 
government was disastrous to the inhabitants of the 
frontier, it was equally so to the Indians themselves. 
A considerable portion of the Oneidas refused to take 
up the hatchet against the Americans. When hostili- 
ties commenced on the part of the other tribes, the 
bond of union w4iich had for so long a time bound to- 
gether the Six Nations was severed, never more to be 
reunited. The great council-fire which had burned so 
long at Onondaga went out, never again to be rekin- 
dled. The fame and the power of that distinguished 
confederacy w4iich had been known and felt over the 
whole of North America, were thereafter to be num- 
bered with the things that were. Tbeir country was 
overrun by invading armies ; their villages were de- 
stroyed ; and their cultivated fields were laid waste. 
During the long years of tlie war, many a warrior fell 
in battle ; others died from want and its consequent 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 337 

diseases. Their pleasant homes, alike with those of 
the pale faces, were made desolate. 

With the restoration of peace, the tide of emigra- 
tion set in upon their country with resistless force ; 
and, like the other aborigines, they have gradually 
faded away before its advance. 

Some found a home in Canada under the protection 
of that government which had prevailed upon them 
to take up the hatchet, and there their descendants are 
still found. 

A few yet remain upon the soil of their fathers, but 
they are imperfect representatives of that proud and 
warlike people, who, by their prowess and skill, 
earned from the early colonist the appellation of the 
Romans of North America. 



15^ 



338 APPENDIX TO 



Note N. 

LIFE AND SERVICES OF GENERAL JAMES 
CLINTON. 



Lecture on the Life and Military Services of General 
James Clinton. Read before the JVew York Histori- 
cal Society^ Feb, 1839. By William W. Campbell. 



It was beautifully and truly said by Montgomery, 
that it is difficult to convey to others an accurate im- 
pression of an impassioned speaker ; that it is like 
"gathering up dew-drops, which appear indeed jew- 
els and pearls in the grass, but run to water in the 
hand. The essence and the elements remain, but 
the grace, the sparkle, and the form are gone." He 
who has attempted the task will have realized the 
force and the truth of the poet's observation, and 
will have felt regret and disappointment when he 
perceives that his description is comparatively tame 
and spiritless, of events, and scenes, and efforts which 
charmed him as a beholder, and produced impressions 
which are glowing and fresh in his memory. But if 
the speaker possessed the power of conveying to this 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 339 

audience correct impressions of eloquent men, he 
would not be called upon to exercise that power in 
discharging the duty which he has assumed this even- 
ing. The individual, whose biograph}^ he proposes 
briefly to sketch, was a plain, blunt soldier, born upon 
the frontiers, and who spent no inconsiderable portion 
of a long life amid the toils and perils of border wars — 
a true patriot, who, if not first, was prominent among 
the men who sustained the heat and the burden of 
the revolutionary contest in this state. I mean Gen- 
eral James Clinton. A brief sketch of his family, 
and especially of his father, Colonel Charles Clinton, 
may not be uninteresting. The name of Clinton has 
been prominent for the last hundred years, both in 
the colonial and State history of New York. For 
nearly forty years of that period, individuals of that 
name have held the high and responsible trust of gov- 
ernor, besides filling many other offices of a military, 
legislative, and judicial character. The different 
branches of the family were originally from England. 
The first of the name who was distinguished here was 
the colonial governor, George Clinton, who was the 
youngest son of Francis, sixth Eari of Lincoln, and 
who was governor of the province of New York from 
1743 to 1753. He returned to England, and was af- 
terwards appointed governor of Greenwich Hospital. 
He was the father of Sir Henry Clinton, who was in 
command of the English army during a part of the 
Revolution. 

General James Clinton was a descendant of Wil- 
liam Clinton, who was an adherent to the cause of 
royalty in the civil wars of England, and an officer 



340 



APPENDIX TO 



in the army of Charles I. After the death of that 
monarch he went to the continent, where he remained 
a long time in exile. He afterwards passed over to 
Scotland, where he married a lady of the family of 
Kennedy. From Scotland he removed to Ireland, 
where he died, leaving one 'Son. This son, James 
Clinton, on arriving at manhood, made an unsuccess- 
ful effort to recover his patrimonial estates in Eng- 
land. While in England he married a Miss Smith, a 
daughter of a captain in the army of Cromwell, and 
with his wife returned and settled in Ireland. 

Charles Clinton, the son of this marriage, and the 
father of Gen. James Clinton, was born in the county 
of Longford, in Ireland, in 1690. In 1729 he deter- 
mined to emigrate to America. Being a man of in- 
fluence, he prevailed upon a large number of his 
neighbors and friends to remove with him. He sailed 
from Dublin in a vessel called the George and Anne, 
in May, 1729, and, by a receipt preserved among his 
papers, it seems that he paid for the passages of nine- 
ty-four persons. 

They were unfortunate in the selection of a vessel. 
The captain was a violent and unprincipled villain. 
They were poorly supplied with stores, and, the voy- 
age proving long, they suffered from disease and fam- 
ine. A large number of passengers died, including 
a son and daughter of Mr. Clinton. They were final- 
ly landed upon the coast of Massachusetts, the captain 
refusing to go to New York or to Pennsylvania, the 
latter having been his original place of destination. 
Charles Clinton remained in Massachusetts until 1731, 
when he removed to the province of New York, and 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 341 

settled at a place called Little Britain, in a region de- 
signated as the precincts of the Highlands, afterwards 
a part of Ulster, and now a part of Orange County. 
Though within a few miles of the Hudson River, and 
within sixty or seventy miles of the city of New York, 
the residence of Mr. Clinton was on the frontier of 
civilization. The virgin wilderness was around him. 
In the language of some of the inhabitants of Ulster 
County after this period, in a petition to the colonial 
legislature^ asking for protection, they say that they 
are bounded on the west by the desert — a desert 
where, instead of the roaming Arab, the wild Indian 
erected his cabin, and '' made his home and his 
grave." The inhabitants of that district were com- 
pelled to fortify their houses in order to guard against 
inroads of the savages. In the subsequent Indian and 
French w^ars Charles Clinton took an active and eiFi- 
cient part. In 1758 we find him in command of a 
regiment of provincial troops, stationed in the valley 
of the Mohawk, and in'the summer of that year he 
joined the main army under General Bradstreet, on 
his way to Canada, and was present with him at the 
capture of Fort Frontenac. Colonel Charles Clinton 
was a good mathematical scholar, and frequently act- 
ed as surveyor of lands, an employment of considera- 
ble 'importance and emolument in a new country. 
He was also a judge of the court of common pleas 
of Ulster County. He sustained a pure and elevated 
character, was neat in his person and dignified in his 
manners, and exerted a great influence in the district 
of country where he lived. 

In a letter to his son James, who was in the army, 



34 2 APPENDIX TO 

dated June, 1759, he says : '' M}^ advice to you is, to 
be diligent in your duty to God, your king and coun- 
try, and avoid bad company as much as in your pro- 
vince lies ; forbear learning habits of vice, for they 
grow too easily upon men in a public station, and are 
not easily broke off. Profane habits make men con- 
temptible and mean. That God may grant you grace 
to live in his fear, and to discharge your duty with a 
good conscience, is the sincere desire of your affec- 
tionate father, Charles Clinton." Among his papers 
carefully preserved and written upon parchment, I 
found the following certificate. It. was his Christian 
passport, which he carried with him when he embark- 
ed for the New World : 

" Whereas the bearer, Mr. Charles Clinton, and 
his wife Elizabeth, lived within the bounds of this 
Protestant dissenting congregation from their infancy, 
and now design for America ; this is to certify, that 
all along they behaved themselves soberly and inof- 
fensively, and are fit to be received into any Christian 
congregation where Providence may cast their lot, 
> Also, that said Charles Clinton was a member of our 
session, and discharged the ofidce of ruling elder very 
acceptably; this, with advice of session, given at 
Corbay, in the county of Longford, Ireland. Joseph 
Bond, minister." 

I need scarcely add that Charles Clinton took an 
active part in the advancement of the cause of religion 
and good morals. He sometimes also courted the 
muses, and I find in the commonplace-book of De 
Witt Clinton the following stanzas, with this caption i 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 



343 



Lines written by my grandfather, Charles Clinton, and spoken over the 
grave of a dear departed sister, who had often nursed and taken car& 
of him in his younger days. 

" Oh, canst thou know, thou dear departed shade, 
The mighty sorrows that m j soul invade ; 
Whilst o'er thy mouldering frame I mourning stand, 
And view thy grave far from thy native land. 
With thee my tender years were early trained ; 
Oft have thy friendly arms my weight sustained ; 
And when with childish fears or pains oppressed, 
You with soft music lulled my soul to rest." 

He concludes his last will, made in 1771, and a 
short time before his decease, with the following- direc- 
tions : '' It is my will I be buried in the grave-yard on 
my own farm, beside my daughter Catharine ; and it is 
my will, the said grave-yard be made four rods square, 
and open free road to it at all times when it shall be 
necessary ; and I nominate and appoint my said three 
sons, Charles, James and George, executors of this 
my last will, to see the same'^executed accordingly; 
and T order that my said executors procure a suitable 
stone to lay over my grave, whereon I would have 
the time of my death, my age, and coat of arms cut. 
I hope they will indulge me in this last piece of vani- 
ty." He died on the I9th of November, 1773, at his 
own residence, in the 83d year of his age, and in the 
full view of that Revolution in which his sons were to 
act such distinguished parts. In his last moments he 
conjured them to stand by the liberties of America. 

His wife, Elizabeth Denniston, to whom he was 
married in Ireland, was an accomplished and intelli- 
gent woman. Her correspondence with her husband, 



344 APPl^NDIX TO 

as far as it has fallen under my observation, exhibits 
her in an interesting and commanding light. She 
appears to have been well acquainted with the mili- 
tary operations of the times, and to have shared largely 
in the patriotic ardor of her husband and her sons. 
She died at the residence of her son James, on the 25th 
of December, 1779, in the 75th year of her age. 

They left four sons, Alexander, Charles, James 
and George. The two former were physicians of con- 
siderable eminence. Charles was a surgeon in the 
British navy at the capture of the Havana. Of George 
Clinton, it will not of course be expected that I should 
speak at length. He was the youngest son. He was 
a soldier and a statesman. He was engaged in the 
French war and in the Revolution ; he was a mem- 
ber of the Provincial Assembly just before the Revo- 
lution, and in that body was a fearless advocate of his 
country's liberty. He was the first governor of the 
State of New York, and for twenty-one years was con- 
tinued in that high and responsible office, and exert- 
ed, perhaps, a larger influence than any other man 
over the then future destinies of the Empire State. 
He closed his eventful life while filling the chair of 
Vice President of the United States. 

James Clinton, the third son, and the father of De 
Witt Clinton, was born on the 9th of August, 1736, 
at the family residence in Little Britain. It has truly 
been said of him, that he was a warrior from his youth 
upward. Born upon the frontiers, with a hardy and 
vigorous constitution ; accustomed to alarms and In- 
dian incursions, he became in early life attached to 
the profession of arms. As early as 1757 he was 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 345 

commissioned an ensign, and in the following year 
he was commissioned first lieutenant by James Delan- 
cey, lieutenant governor of this, then, province, and 
empowered to enlist troops ; and in 1759, being then 
twenty-three years of age, he attained the rank of 
captain in the provincial army. In 1758 a conside- 
rable army, under General Bradstreet, passed up the 
Mohawk valley, and thence to -Lake Ontario, and, by 
a well-directed attack, captured Fort Frontenac, from 
the French. Colonel Charles Clinton was at this 
time in command of Fort Herkimer, near the German 
Flats, in the Mohawk valley, and, as I have hereto- 
fore mentioned, joined General Bradstreet with his 
regiment. James Clinton was also in this expedi- 
tion, and he commanded a company, his brother 
George being lieutenant. At the attack upon Fort 
Frontenac he exhibited an intrepidity of character 
which gained him great credit. He and his brother 
were instrumental in capturing one of the French ves- 
sels. The capture of this fort was one of the brilliant 
exploits of the French war. 

Colonel Charles Clinton states in his journal, that 
the '' destruction of this place, (meaning Fort Fronte- 
nac,) and of the shipping, artillery and stores, is one 
of the gretitest blows the French have met with in 
America, considering the consequences of it, as it was 
the store out of which all the forts to the southward 
were supplied ; and the shipping destroyed there, they 
employed in that service." The expedition was con- 
ducted with secrecy, and the French were taken un- 
prepared. The fort contained but a small garrison, 
and was carried the second day after the commence- 



346 APPENDIX TO 

ment of the siege. Similar expeditions were common 
in that war. Armies plunged into the wilderness and 
forced their way up streams and over morasses with 
great labor and difficulty. The province of New 
York was the principal battle-ground. Fortresses 
were erected on the whole then northern frontier, 
extending from Lake George through the valley of 
the Mohawk, and along the shores of Lake Ontario 
to the vicinity of the great cataract itself. The Eng- 
lishman and the Anglo-American fought side by side 
against France and her dependencies, and it seemed 
at times as if the fate of nations three thousand miles 
removed, was to be decided by the hot contests of their 
armies amid the green forests of this western world. 

It is to be hoped that the persevering and able au- 
thor of the life of the great captain of the Six Nations 
will follow out his original plan, and give to the 
world a full and accurate narrative of the thrilling 
scenes and romantic incidents of these early border 
wars. 

From 1758 to 1763, James Clinton continued in 
the provincial arm}", now stationed upon the frontier 
posts engaged in the border skirmishes, and now en- 
listing new recruits under orders from the colonial 
governors. Sir Charles Handy, James Delancey, and 
Cadwallader Colden. In the latter year, 1763, he 
raised and commanded a corps of two hundred men, 
who were designated as guards of the frontier. He 
continued in the army until the close of the French 
war, and seems to have enjoyed, in ix large degree, 
the confidence of the government and of his fellow- 
soldiers. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 347 

After the close of the war he retired to his farm at 
Little Britain, and married Mary De Witt, a daugh- 
ter of Egbert De Witt, a }^oung lady of great re- 
spectability, whose ancestors were from Holland. He 
had four sons by this marriage : Alexander, who was 
private secretary to his uncle George ; Charles, who 
was a lawyer in Orange County ; De Witt, the third 
son, born in March, 1769 ; and George, wlio was also 
a lawyer and a member of Congress, all of whom are 
now deceased. 

James Clinton, however, in time of peace, could 
not entirely forsake the tented field. He entered 
with zeal into the militia organization, and was a 
lieutenant colonel of a regiment in Orange County. 
At the commencement of the Revqlutionary war he 
entered warmly into the continental service. His 
brother George, as has been related, had been for 
many years a representative in the colonial assembly 
from his native county, and had, from the first, advo- 
cated his country's cause with that fearlessness and 
energy of character for which he was distinguished. 

The two brothers were not unmindful of the dying 
injunctions of their patriotic sire, and hand in hand, 
at the first moment of outbreak, they entered the arena 
and joined their pledges of faith and support to the 
colonial cause. 

In 1775 James Clinton was appointed colonel of 
the third regiment of New York troops, raised by the 
order .of the Continental Congress ; and in 1776 he 
was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. In 
the summer of this year he was employed in the ex- 
pedition against Canada, under General Montgomery, 



348 APPENDIX TO 

and was before the walls of Quebec at the time of the 
fall of that brave and gallant general. In the sum- 
mer of 1777, that gloomy period when almost the 
Avhole force of the British armies in America was con- 
centrated upon the State of New York, General Clin- 
ton was stationed at Fort Montgomery, upon the 
Hudson River, and, together with his brother the 
governor, made a firm though unsuccessful resistance 
to the advance of the enemy, under Sir Henry Clin- 
ton. 

The attack upon this fort, and also upon Fort Clin- 
ton, separated only by a creek, was made on the 6th 
of October, 1777, by an army of three thousand men. 
Some outposts had been carried during the day. 

'' As tlie night was approaching," says Sir Henry 
Clinton in his official dispatch, ''I determined to 
seize the first favorable instant. A brisk attack on 
the Montgomery side ; the galleys with their oars ap- 
proaching, firing, and even striking the fort ; the 
men-of-war that moment appearing, crowding all sail 
to support us ; the extreme ardor of the troops ; in 
short, all determined me to order the attack." The 
attack was continued until eight o'clock in the even- 
ing, when the enemy carried the forts by storm, and 
at the point of the bayonet. General Clinton, in the 
midst of the darkness and confusion, though wound- 
ed, succeeded in making his escape. These forts 
were intended to guard the navigation of the river, 
and to prevent the ascent of the -enemy's ships, and 
were said not to have been well protected on the 
land side. Be this as it may, they were not sufficiently 
garrisoned. As early as Marcli, General Clinton 



ANx\ALS OF TRYON COUxNTY. 340 

wrote to General McDoLigal, saying, '' I understand 
the committee are uneasy at the want of stores in this 
fort, but I think they have more reason to be uneasy 
that w^e are not reinforced with more troops, as we 
have not a sufficiency to do tlie usual duty of the gar- 
rison on each side of the creek." It is presumed that 
they were better supplied with troops at the time of 
the attack, but there was still a deficiency. The time 
of service of many of the troops had expired, and 
they were with difficulty prevailed upon to remain. 
The campaign of the north also required the flower of 
the army. The conduct of George Clinton and 
James Clmton, in this defense, received the approba- 
tion of Congress. 

During the greater part of 1778 General Clinton 
was stationed at West Point, and for a portion of that 
year was engaged in throwing a chain across the 
Hudson to prevent the ascent of the river by the ene- 
my's ships. The summer of that year has been 
rendered memorable upon the then frontiers, by rea- 
son of the massacres of Wyoming and Cherry Valley, 
under armies of Indians and Tories, led on by the 
Butlers and Brant. On the 16th of November, 1778, 
and just after the massacre at Cherry Valley, which 
occurred on the 11th of that month. General Wash- 
ington wrote to General Hand, acknowledging the 
receipt of his letter containing the information of the 
destruction of that place, and adds : ^' It is in the 
highest degree distressing to have our frontiers so con- 
tinually harassed by this collection of banditti under 
Brant and Butler." He then inquires whether offen- 
sive operations could not be carried on against them 



360 APPENDIX TO 

at that season of the year, and if not then, when and 
how. This letter was prohably referred to General 
Clinton, as it has been preserved among his papers ; 
and it contains the first intimation which I have seen 
of that expedition against the Six Nations in the fol- 
lowing year, known as Sullivan's expedition, in which 
General Clinton was called to act a distinguished 
part. 

It was determined to '' carry the war into Africa." 
In other words, it. was resolved to overrun the whole 
Indian country, and thus, if possible, put an end to 
the constant and harassing inroads of the enemy 
upon the frontier settlements. For this purpose ex- 
tensive preparations were made, and after some diffi- 
culty in obtaining a commander, the expedition was 
intrusted to General Sullivan. It was decided that 
the army should move early in the spring of 1779. 
General Sullivan was to cross to Easton, in Pennsyl- 
vania, and into the valley of the Susquehanna, 
while General Clinton was to pass up the Moha^^k 
valley, and either unite with Sullivan in the Indian 
country, or else cross over from the Mohawk River to 
Lake Otsego, and proceed thence down the eastern 
branch of the Susquehanna. The latter route wa3 
finally determined upon, though General Washington 
preferred the former, as did General Clinton. The 
latter gave as his reasons, that the army could move 
up the Mohawk valley and enter the Indian coun- 
try with niore ease and less delay, and that a move- 
ment in that direction would be more decisive and 
fatal to the Indians. The ^vhole expedition was, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY, 351 

however, under the control of General Sullivan, who 
preferred the other route, and it was adopted. 

On the 1st of June, 1779, General Clinton's de- 
tachment, consisting of about two thousand troops, 
moved from Albany and proceeded up the Mohawk 
valley as far as Canajoharie. Here they pitched 
their camp, and with great labor carried over their 
boats and stores to the head of Lake Otsego, a dis- 
tance of nearly twenty miles. 

While encamped at Canajoharie, two spies were 
arrested, and a court-martial ordered to try them. 
Their names were Hare and Newberry. They were 
both natives of that section of country, and had been 
with the parties of Indians and Tories who had laid 
waste the settlements. Newberry was a sergeant in 
one of the organized companies of Tories, and was 
engaged in the massacre at Cherry Valley, where he 
killed a daughter of a Mr. Mitchell under circum- 
stances of cruelty almost unparalleled. 

A party of Indians had plundered the house, and 
murdered his wife and children. After they left, 
Mitchell returned to the house and found one child, a 
little girl about eleven or twelve years of age, who 
was still alive. He carried her to the door, and 
while engaged in endeavoring to restore her to con- 
sciousness, he saw another party approaching. He 
cigain retreated, and from his hiding-place saw New- 
berry, with a blow of his hatchet, extinguish the little 
spark of life that remained in his child. Retributive 
justice often follows close on the heels of crime. At 
this court-martial for tne trial of Newberry, Mitchell 
was railed as a witness. 



352 APPENDIX TO 

If I possessed the wand of tlie great magician, 1 
might draw aside the curtain and present to your view 
this court-martial scene. I might show to you the 
rough sokher brushing away a tear, and the pale 
cheek and quivering lip of the guilty Newberry, as 
the witness related the simple and affecting story of 
his sufferings, of the destruction of all his earthly 
hopes, of that massacre which had widowed him, and 
sent him forth upon the world homeless and childless. 

Both Hare and Newberry were found guilty and 
hung as spies, and their execution, says General 
Clinton, gave great satisfacti ^-^ ♦^ the. inhabitants.' 
Their bodies were giv( a to their friends lor interment, 
and were placed in cc fins, which were laid upon the 
ground-floor of a Iiot ^ near the place of execution. 
While the bodies were lying m Jiat situation, it was 
alleged that a large black snake ran hissing from luv. 
wall of the house, and, passing around or over the 
body of Newberry, glided away and disappeared in 
the opposite wall. The tradition was current a few 
years since, and I have myself heard the statement 
from the lips of the living actors of that period. The 
story is also alluded to by De Witt Clinton, in his 
journal which he kept when exploring the canal route 
in 1810. The report of this, as was supposed, ap- 
pearance of his Satanic majesty himself, to convey 
away the soul of Sergeant Newberry, produced a 
strong impression upon the minds of many of the 
unlettered and superstito*as Germans of the Mohawk 
valley. 

I cannot forbear, in this place, to pay a passing 
tribute to some of these Germans, whose advice Gen- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 353 

eral Clinton was requested to take, who were educa- 
ted men, and who supported the iVmerican cause with 
great zeal and courage. 

Among them was the Rev. Dr. Gross, the clergyman 
at Canajoharie, and Christopher P. Yates and John 
Frey, both lawyers, and residents in that vicincity. 
After the war, the Rev. Dr. Gross was chosen one of 
the professors of Columbia College, and I cannot 
present to you so correct and beautiful an outline of 
his character as is drawn by De Witt Clinton, in his 
address before the alumni of that college, w^hich has 
never been printed, and which was the last of his 
literary efforts. 

" The Rev. Dr. Gross," says Governor Clinton, ^^ a 
native of Germany, and who had received a finished 
education in her celebrated schools, was a professor of 
the German language and geography, and afterwards 
a professor of moral philosophy. He had emigrated 
to this country before the Revolution and settled near 
the banks of the Mohawk, in a frontier country, 
peculiarly exposed to irruptions from Canada and the 
hostile Indians. When war commenced, he took the 
side of America, and, enthroned in the hearts of his 
countrymen, and distinguished for the courage which 
marks the German character, he rallied the despond- 
ing, animated the wavering, confirmed the doubtful, 
and encouraged the brave to more than ordinary 
exertion. W^ith the Bible in one hand and the sword 
in the other, he stood forth in the united character of 
patriot and Christian, vindicating the liberties of man- 
kmd, and amidst the most appalling dangers, ana the 
16 



354 APPENDIX TO 

most awful vicissitudes, like the Red Cross Knight of 
the Fairy Queen, 

' Riglit faithful true he was, in deed and word; " 

Such was the Rev. Dr. Gross, at the time of which 
we have been speaking. 

Another of the Germans of the Mohawk valley was 
Christopher P. Yates, an early and ardent friend of 
the Revolution. He was a lawyer by profession, and 
some of the resolutions drawn up by him, and adopted 
by the committees of safety, were patriotic in senti- 
ment and fearless in tone, and would have done no 
discredit to any provincial assembly, or even to the 
Continental Congress itself. 

Another of these Germans was Major John Frey, 
a brother-in-law of Christopher P. Yates, and the last 
chairman of the Tryon County committee. He was 
one of the most prominent and active of the revolu- 
tionary patriots of the Mohawk valley ; and I trust I 
shall be excused, by an indulgent auditory, for sketch- 
ing the interview which it was my good fortune to 
have with him several years since. 

It was in tlie winter of 1830, that I presented my- 
self at the mansion of Major Frey, and desired an in- 
terview for the purpose of conferring with him, and of 
obtaining such manuscripts as he might have pre- 
served. 

Age and infirmity then sat heavily upon him. In the 
language of the good old Oneida chief, Skenando, 
he was like an aged pine,' through whose branches had 
whistled the winds of an hundred winters. Like Ske- 



Ax\NALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 355 

nando, also, the generation which had acted with him 
had gone and left him. 

My own ancestors had sat in committee with liim, 
and had shared in the toils, and in the fearful and 
bloody contests of the border. I never shall forget ihe 
appearance of this gray-haired sire as I entered his 
room, and was kindly introduced to him by his son, 
as a descendant of one of his co-laborers in the Revo- 
lution. His son explained to him at the same time, 
briefly, the object of my visit. He was entirely blind, 
and nearly deaf, so much so tliat it required a loud 
voice to rouse him. As soon as he understood his 
son fully, like a patriarch of old, he rose np, and ex- 
tending his trembling hand, requested that I would 
draw near to him that he might touch me. His 
fervent language was, '' God bless you, my son, and 
prosper you in your undertaking. Your grandfather 
and myself fought side by side in the Revolution. I 
have somewhere several papers which may assist you. 
They are yours — keep them." In a neglected spot 
in the garret, from a mass of unimportant and 
moth-eaten papers, I selected several documents of 
great interest, and which were of much service in 
throwing light upon the history of the valley, espe- 
cially many of the proceedings of the Committee of 
Safety during the early part of the war. 

A few years after this interview, the good old 
patriot was called to his rest, but the impression will 
pass away from my memory only with the decay of 
the faculty itself. 

But^I am wandering too much from my subject. 
On the 1st of July, General Clinton broke up his 



356 APPENDIX TO 

camp at Canajoharie, and crossed over to Lake 
Otsego, where his boats and stores had previously been 
carried, and, launching his boats, passed down to the 
outlet, and again encamped upon the spot where now 
is built the beautiful village of Cooperstown, the 
Templeton of the Pioneers. Two hundred and eight 
batteaux, and a large amount of provisions and mili- 
tary stores, had been carried across from the Mohawk 
River. Here, under date of 13th of July, General 
Clinton writes to Mrs. Clinton, saying that she proba- 
bly expects that the army is in the midst of the Indian 
country, but that he is still waiting orders to move ; 
that he is impatient for them, but that his situation is 
by no means unpleasant ; that he can catch perch in 
in the lake and trout in the streams, and hunt the deer 
upon the mountains. Lake Otsego is a beautiful lit- 
tle lake, about nine miles long, and varies in breadth 
from one to three miles. Its elevation is about twelve 
hundred feet above tide water, and it is almost embo- 
somed by hills ; the water is deep and clear. The 
scenery from many points is highly picturesque and 
wild. 

" Tall rocks and tufted knolls, their face 
Could on the dark blue mirror trace." 

At this period, save in one or two places, no mark of 
civilization was visible. And though 

" Each boatman bending to his oar, 
With measured sweep the burthen bore," 

they could not but gaze at times with delight upon 
the natural beauties which surrounded them. 

The outlet of this lake is narrow. General Clinton 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 357 

having- passed his boats through, caused a dam to be 
thrown across ; the lake was raised several feet ; a 
party was sent forward to clear the river of drift-wood ; 
when ready to move, the dam was broken up, and 
the boats glided swiftly down with the current. 

On the 22d of August, this division arrived at 
Tioga, and joined the main army under General Sul- 
livan. 

On the 26th of August, the whole army moved 
from Tioga up the river of that name, and on the 
29th fell in with the enemy at Newtown. Here a 
spirited engagement took place, in which the enemy 
was routed ; this was the only battle. "When it was 
first announced that an army was marching into their 
country, the Indians laughed at their supposed folly, 
believing it impossible for a regular army to traverse 
the wilderness and drive them from their fastnesses. 

On the 14th of September the army arrived at the 
Genesee River ; and the rich alluvial bottom lands, 
w^hich now constitute the garden of this State, had 
even then been extensively cultivated by the Indians. 
Scarcely a tree was to be seen over the whole extent. 
Modern curiosity and enterprise had not then ren- 
dered familiar the mighty valleys and prairies of the 
West ; and officers and soldiers gazed alike with sur- 
prise and admiration upon the rich prospect before 
them. The army, as it emerged from the woods, and 
as company after company filed off and formed upon 
the plain, presented an animated and imposing spec- 
tacle. 

The whole country of the Onondagas, the Cayugas 
and Senecas was overrun by this expedition. Vast 



858 APPENDIX TO 

quantities of grain were destroyed ; all the Indian 
villages were laid waste ; and it was fondly hoped 
that the Indians, driven back, and having lost their 
provisions and stores, would be prevented from 
making further inroads into the border settlements. 
This was not considered merely as a retaliatory meas- 
ure. The western part of New York was the gran- 
ary from whence the Indians and Tories drew their 
supplies. Cut off from these, it was thought they 
would be driven back into Canada, and that a stop 
would be put to further incursions. 

Such, however, unfortunately for the frontier set- 
tlements, was not the effect. In the following summer 
these incursions were renewed ; and they were con- 
tinued throughout the war. For nearly eight years 
the inhabitants were kept in almost constant alarm, 
and were the victims of this barbarous w^arfare until 
they became a peeled and scattered people. The 
whole valley of the Mohawk, including the valley of 
Schoharie, and all the settlements to the south upon 
the head-waters of the Susquehanna, were entirely 
destroyed. There was not a spot which had escaped 
the ravages of the enemy. 

''It was the computation," says the author of the 
Life of Brant, '' two years before the close of the war, 
that one third of the population had gone over to the 
enemy, and that one third had been driven from the 
country or slain in battle, and by private assassina- 
tion. And yet among the inhabitants of the other 
remaining third, in June, 1783, it was stated at a 
public meeting held at Fort Plain, that there were 
three hundred widows and two thousand orphan chil- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 359 

dren." In great justice and truth he has added, 
'' that no other section or district of country in the 
United States, of like extent, suffered in any compara- 
ble degree as much from the war of the Revolution 
as did that of the Mohawk. It was the most fre- 
quently invaded and overrun, and that too by an 
enemy far more barbarous than the native barbarians 
of the forest." 

In the early part of 1780, the year following the 
expedition against the Six Nations, General Clinton 
was stationed upon the Hudson River. In October, 
of that year, and after the discovery of the treason of 
Arnold, General Washington wrote to General Clin- 
ton, then at West Point, as follows : 

^' As it is necessary there should be an officer in 
whom the State has confidence to take the general 
direction of affairs at Albany and on the frontier, I 
have fixed upon you for this purpose, and request you 
will proceed to Albany without delay, and assume the 
command. You will be particularly attentive to the 
post of Fort Schuyler, and do everything in your 
power to have it supplied with a good stock of pro- 
visions and stores, and you will take every other pre- 
caution the means at your command will permit, for 
the security of the frontier, giving the most early ad- 
vice of any incursions of the enemy." 

General Clinton repaired to Albany, and took the 
direction of affairs in the northern department, accord- 
ing to the instructions of the commander-in-chief. 
That post had been one of great responsibility during 
the whole of the war, and at the time of General 
Clinton's appointment it had not lost its importance. 



360 APPENDIX TO 

The spring of 1781 found the American army, and 
especially that portion of it stationed at the north and 
west, almost destitute of provisions. This arose in 
part from some defective arrangement in the com- 
missary department, and in part from the fact, that 
the whole Mohawk valley had been laid waste, 
which was one of the best sources of supplies in the 
earlier part of the war. General Clinton communi- 
cated intelligence of ,the destitute condition of the 
army to General Washington, early in the spring of 
that year, and, under date of May 4th, the comman- 
der-in-chief replied, saying, "he had received and 
read his letter, and transmitted it to Congress to aid 
in enforcing his own suggestions. That measures 
must be taken to procure provisions, and where per- 
suasion, entreaty and requisition fail, coercion must 
be used, rather than the garrison of Fort Schuyler 
shall fall, and the frontier be again desolated and laid 
waste. I am persuaded the State will make a great 
effort to afford a supply of flour for the troops in that 
quarter ; and I confess I see no other alternative 
under our present circumstances." 

Coercion was used in order to procure supplies of 
provisions, and coercion saved the American army 
from dismemberment during the summer of 1781. 

In a letter of a subsequent date. General Washing- 
ton says, " whenever any quantity arrives you may 
depend upon having a full proportion of it, being de- 
termined to sliare our last morsel with you, and sup- 
port your posts, if possible, at all hazards and extremi- 
ties." 

The situation of the army at the north was deplo- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 361 

rable indeed. The different detachments were sta- 
tioned not where they were needed for defense, but 
where they could procure supplies of provisions. The 
enemy, taking advantage of the trials and sufferings 
of the soldiers, made great efforts to produce disaffec- 
tion and desertion in their ranks. Emissaries were 
sent among them, and the Tories, especially, were 
active in their efforts. In this they were but too suc- 
cessful, and General Clinton, in a letter dated in 
May, says, that unless the army is relieved, so preva- 
lent is the spirit of desertion, every post must be 
abandoned and the country depopulated. 

Under this impression, General Clinton determined 
upon taking decisive measures, which should strike 
terror into the hearts of the disaffected and Tories, and 
by executing summary punishment, to prevent, at 
least, their active interference in causing the deser- 
tion of the soldiers. 

The following letter to Captain Du Bois, under 
date of June 1st, 1781, will more fully convey his 
views : 

'^ Sir : I have received your letter of yesterday. 
From good information, I am well convinced that 
parties of the enemy are out on the recruiting service, 
and that they are protected, harbored, and subsisted, 
by the disaffected people on the frontiers. I am 
informed by a letter this morning received from the 
commanding officer at Johnstown, that several Tories 
have been apprehended at that place for encouraging 
our soldiers to desert, and for subsisting them in their 
habitations until they can have an opportunity to join 
16* 



362 APPENDIX TO 

the enemy. I therefore desire, that as soon as you can 
be thoroughly convinced of any disaffected persons 
in your quarter being guilty of either seducing any of 
our soldiers to desert, or subsisting or harboring them 
when deserted, you will noi be at the pains of taking 
them prisoners, but kill them on the spot. If, also, 
you should find any of them to harbor parties from 
the enemy, by which means any of our good frontier 
inhabitants do in person get killed, you will also 
retaliate vengeance on them, life for life. 

'' I have issued and forwarded these orders to the 
different posts, which you may promulge, and not 
secrete, that the Tories may know their fate for their 
future misbehavior. 

'^ I soon expect better supplies of men and provis- 



These measures, it is believed, had a salutary effect. 

General Clinton continued in command at Albany 
until August, 1781, when he lembarked the troops 
immediately under his command, for the purpose of 
joining the commander-in-chief, and was succeeded 
in the command of the northern army by General 
Stark. 

In the winter or spring of 1782, some promotions 
were made by the Continental Congress, by which a 
junior officer took precedence over General Clinton. 
The veteran soldier could not brook what he deemed 
a great injury. He solicited and obtained leave to 
withdraw from the active duties of the «amp. In a 
letter dated April 10, 1782, General Clinton says : 

*^ At an early period of the war I entered into the 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 363 

service of my country, and I have continued in it 
during all the vicissitudes of fortune, and am conscious 
that I have exerted my best endeavors to serve it 
with fidelit}^ I have never sought emolument or 
promotion, and as the different commands I have held 
were unsolicited, I might have reasonably expected, 
if my services were no longer wanted, to have been 
indulged at least with a decent dismission." 

He did not retire from the army entirely, but joined 
again the commander-in-chief, and was present at 
the evacuation of New York, where he took leave of 
General Washington, and retired to his farm at Little 
Britain. The war was happily terminated, and peace 
again reigned along the borders. 

Then followed what has been well denominated the 
night of the confederation. In the midst of war, and 
while pressed by foes from without, the inefficiency of 
the articles of confederation were not so fully realized. 
But now darkness shrouded the future, or if that fu- 
ture portended aught, it portended a broken and dis- 
membered confederacy. 

The convention which assembled at Philadelphia 
in May, 1787, for the purpose of forming a federal 
constitution, arose like the day-star upon this benight- 
ed land. The convention of New York, called to 
ratify this constitution presented by the convention of 
Philadelphia, assembled at Poughkeepsie in June, 
1788, and it embraced men, in themselves a host, and 
the mention of whose names should excite emotions 
of patriotism and of pride in the bosom of every New 
Yorker. There were Jolin Jay, Alexander Hamilton, 
George Clinton, John Lansing, Robert R. Livingston, 



364 APPENDIX TO 

James Clinton, Melancthon Smith, James Duane, 
Samuel Jones, with others of less note, but well 
known in those times for their sterling patriotism. 
Among the number were Christopher P. Yates and 
John Frey, to whom I have heretofore alluded, and 
who represented in convention the then county of 
Montgomery. 

George Clinton and General James Clinton were 
delegates from Ulster County. George Clinton was 
unanimously chosen president of the convention. 
The debates were continued for six weeks, with all 
the talent and address of the distinguished speakers 
whose names I have mentioned. 

On the side of the constitution were John Jay, 
Alexander Hamilton and Robert R. Livingston, and 
opposed to its unconditional adoption were George 
Clinton, Melancthon Smith and John Lansing. 
General James Clinton united with his brother 
George, and to the last they both persisted in their 
opposition, even when many of those who at first 
acted with them had joined the other party, and were 
in favor of an unconditional adoption of the constitu- 
tion. 

George Clinton stated, that in times of trouble and 
difficulty men were always in danger of passing to 
extremes ; that while he admitted the confederation to 
be weak and inefficient, and entirely inadequate for 
the purposes of union, he at the same time feared that 
the new constitution, proposed to be adopted, would 
give too much power to the federal government. 
Tlie sturdy democrat foresaw that powers were confer- 
red upon the executive of the Union by that constitu- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 355 

tion which could be used, with ahnost irresistible 
force, for good or for evil ; and had his life been 
spared to have witnessed its operation until the close 
of the first half century of its existence, he would have 
learned that his prophesy, to some extent at least, 
had become history. It was under the views above 
stated that both the Clintons voted in convention 
against the unconditional adoption of the present fede- 
ral constitution. They were in favor of a modifica- 
tion, or of only a qualified adoption. 

When the constitution was adopted and became the 
supreme law of the land, they both supported and 
cherished it with their usual decision and energy of 
character. 

General James Clinton was afterwads called to fill 
several imporant stations. He was elected a member 
of the State Senate, a member of the convention to 
revise the constitution, and was appointed a commis- 
sioner to run the boundary line between New York and 
Pennsylvania. While engaged in this latter service 
he was treated with marked attention by the Indians 
in the western part of New York, in consequence of 
his having been, as they considered, a brave soldier. 
They recollected him as having been engaged in Sul- 
livan's expedition, and described his dress and the 
horse which he rode in the battle of Newtown ; and 
they offered to bestow upon him a tract of land, and 
desired his permission to apply to the legislature for 
liberty to make a conveyance to him. Their offer 
was declined, but it was a flattering compliment, com- 
ing as it did from those who had been enemies, and 



366 APPENDIX TO 

whose country had been laid waste partly by his 
instrumentality. 

With the exceptions above mentioned, the residue 
of General Clinton's life, after the war, was spent in 
peaceful retirement upon his estate at Little Britian. 

He died at his residence in 1812, just at the com- 
mencement of another war. He had seen his coun- 
try under all the vicissitudes of good and evil fortune. 

The pen of his illustrious son has recorded his 
epitaph, and thus beautifully sums up his character : 

" His life was principally devoted to the military 
service of his country, and he had filled with fidelity 
and honor several distinguished civil ofl^ces. 

*' He was an officer in the revolutionary war, and 
the war preceding, and at the close of the former 
was a major general in the army of the United States. 
He was a good man and a sincere patriot, performing 
in the most exemplary manner all the duties of life, 
and he died, as he had lived, without fear and without 
reproach." 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. S6l 



Note O. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, 

Delivered at Cherry Valley^ Otsego County^ JV. F., 
July 4th, 1840, by William W. Campbell. 



The announcement that the great poet, novelist, 
and historian of Scotland was no more, produced a 
thrilling emotion throughout the civilized world. Gift- 
ed pens in hoth hemispheres paid noble tributes to his 
memory, and the beautiful idea was conceived of 
grouping together and presenting at a single glance the 
most prominent characters, both fictitious and histori- 
cal, which had been created and adorned by the genius 
of the immortal Scott. While he lay in state in the 
proud halls of Abbotsford, there passed in long pro- 
cession the monarch with his retinue, displaying the 
pomp and pageantry of the Middle Ages — the belted 
knight clad in steel, marching with a warrior's step, 
and accompanied by his lady love — old men and 
maidens— noble and ignoble, the Jew, the Christian, 
and the Pagan — each in their turn, as they moved 
past, casting a last look upon the mortal remains of 



368 APPENDIX TO 

him whose name, as long as letters endure, can never 
perish from the earth. But as they come up in review 
before our own minds, do we not intuitively select 
some of the most humble and lowly as objects of im- 
itation and of love. Forgetting the proud array of 
titles and of names, we call up with earnest and ad- 
miring feelings the artless simplicity and heroic forti- 
tude of that noble specimen of female character, the 
Jeanie Deans in the Heart of Mid-Lothian. 

My fellow citizens, we are assembled this day at 
the close of the first century since the settlement of 
Cherry Valley. We are here on the anniversary of 
our nation's birthday to mark down the closing hours 
of that century, and, ere they are all numbered, to 
sketch out and place on record the scenes, and actions, 
and events, and characters to which it has given birth 
in our little valley. It has become my duty, as it is 
my pleasure, to make up that record which may aid 
in fixing this day as a landmark for the guidance and 
direction of those who may come after us. If in the 
brief review of the century which is just passing away 
I shall present no gorgeous spectacle — no long train 
of titled lords and warrior knights, I may be able to 
sketch characters which shall commend themselves 
by their intelligence, their morals, their courage, and 
their undying patriotism. Plain and humble though 
they may have been, and confined within a narrow 
sphere of action, they were eminent in their respec- 
tive stations — they discharged with ability the duties 
which devolved upon them, and have passed away 
and left their impress upon this the place of their and 
vour habitntion. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 869 

Most of the first settlers of this valley, though 
originally from Scotland, emigrated to North America 
from Ireland. Some of them came in what was 
called the Londonderry emigration. A portion of this 
body of emigrants landed in the spring of 1719, at 
Casco Bay, near the present city of Porland, in Maine. 
Like most of the New England colonists, they songlit 
a home and a place to worship God. Immediately 
upon landing from their vessel, under the open heaven, 
and upon the sea-shore, they commenced the wor- 
ship of their Creator. The sands of a new continent 
were beneath their feet. The waves of the Atlantic 
were dashing around them. The sky of the new world 
was over them. 

" The perfect world by Adam trod, 
Was the first temple built by God ; 
His fiat laid the corner-stone, 
And heaved its pillars one by one." 

In this temple our fathers first worshipped God in 
this western land. Standing on the shore of the ocean, 
with their little bark riding near them, they raised 
their voices and sung the 137th psalm of the sweet 
singer of Israel. As they looked back upon the 
homes of their youth — upon the friends and kindred 
left behind — upon the blessings and comforts of civil- 
ization, well might they sing: ''By the waters of 
Babylon^ there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we 
rememhered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the wil- 
lows in the midst thereof. ^^ 

But they looked forward with hope and constancy, 
and as they remembered their covenant vows, and 



370 APPENDIX TO 

their determination to observe and maintain their re- 
ligious duties, they also united and sung", in the sub- 
lime lang-uage of the Psalmist : '^ If I forget thee, 

Jerusalem^ let my right hand forget her cunning. If 

1 do not rernember thee, let 7ny tongue cleave to the roof 
of my mouth ; if I 'prefer not Jerusalem above my chief 
joy.'' 

On application made by this colony to the Supreme 
Judicial Court of Massachusetts, a tract of land was 
granted them, to which they removed in the sum- 
mer of the same year. The settlement was named 
after the place from whence they sailed, and still re- 
tains the name of Londonderry, now in the southern 
part of New Hampshire. The colonists immediately 
organized a society, settled a minister, and commenced 
laying broad and deep the foundations of religion 
and of civil order. Many of the early settlers of 
Cherry Valley removed from this Londonderry colony 
in 1741-2; the first actual settlement having been 
made by Mr. Lindesay, one of the patentees, in 1740. 

The patent of Cherry Valley was granted in 1738, 
by George Clark, then lieutenant governor of the 
province of New York, with consent of the council, 
to John Lindesay, Jacob Roseboom, and others. The 
patentees probably re-leased a portion of the land to 
Governor Clark, as we find tiers of lots still owned by 
his lineal descendants in this county. 

It has been cause of speculation and inquiry, why 
the patentees sought a patent of land so remote as this 
place then was, lying, as it did, beyond unoccupied 
lands more eligibly situated and of greater value. It 
has been said tljat Mr. Lindesay, the principal paten- 



ANNALS OB^ TRYON COUNTY. SVl 

tee, was pleased with the wild and romantic featnres 
of the country, which were not unlike his native 
Scotland. We can easily imagine that at that early 
day, ere the woodman's axe had broken into the for- 
est, the scene which our little valley presented was 
one of quiet and picturesque beauty. Here was the 
purling brook, the cascade, the rock and dell, the 
the beautiful forest tree, the blossoming cherry, and 
the wild mountain flower. The tall and graceful elm 
rose conspicuous in the valley, while the dark foliage 
of the rock maple and the evergreen marked the eleva- 
tion of the surrounding hills. From the summit of those 
hills the eye took in at a glance a large part of the 
valley of the Mohawk, and, stretching on beyond, were 
seen the Sacondaga mountains on the north, and far 
away in the northeast the Green Mountains of Ver- 
mont. A few German families were scattered along 
the banks of the Mohawk, but on leaving that river 
the emigrant or settler found himself at once in the 
midst of the virgin forest. The whole country called 
by us the great west, the vast valley of the Mississippi, 
was almost a terra incognita^ an unknown land. An 
occasional adventurer had made his way into the inte- 
rior, and had engaged in traffick with the aboriginal 
inhabitants, who claimed as owners, and roamed over 
the wide valleys and prairies. A few others, less 
hardy and enterprising, had passed along the shores of 
the great lakes, and, like Moses upon Mount Pisgah, 
caught a distant view of the promised land. A few 
French from Canada had intermarried with the native 
population, and introduced some slight features of 
civilization among the red men of the forest. With 



3*72 APPENDIX TO 

these exceptions, the whole country west of Cherry 
Valley, reaching on to the Pacific Ocean, was one un- 
broken wilderness. 

Attracted more perhaps by the beauty of the scenery 
than by the fertility of the soil, here Mr. Lindesay 
took up his abode in the summer of 1740. An Indian 
foot-path afforded him communication with the Mo- 
haw^k River. The winter which follow"ed was one of 
great severity. Long ere spring revisited the valley 
his provisions were exhausted. The snow had fallen 
to a great depth, and had entirely interrupted his 
intercourse with the settlements of the Mohawk. The 
fierce winds howled around his frail dwelling. The 
gigantic forest trees glistened witli the frosts of win- 
ter. The beauty of the summer scene had faded 
away. He realized in their greatest extent the dan- 
gers and trials of a borderer. A lingering death for 
himself and family by starvation was before him. At 
this critical period an Indian arrived from the Mohawk 
River on snow-shoes. This Indian returned and pro- 
cured provisions, which he carried to Mr. Lindesay 
upon his back, and thus saved the lives of the first 
family which settled in this valley. 

About the time of his first settlement, Mr. Linde- 
say conferred with the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, a native 
of Ireland, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, 
upon the subject of adding to the settlement through 
his influence with his countrymen at home and in this 
country. Mr. Dunlop went to Ireland and returned 
in 1742. He was married in Ireland, and his young 
wife came with him to pitch their tents in the wilder- 
ness. At the same time Mr. Dickson and Mr. Gait, 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 373 

and families, arrived in company with Mr. Diinlop 
from Ireland, and Mr. Ramsey and James Campbell 
with their families, in the same year arrived from 
Londonderry in New Hampshire. Mr. Dickson and 
Mr. Gait purchased farms in the south part of the 
patent ; Mr. Ramsey in the western part, and James 
Campbell purchased a farm north of the village, now 
owned by his grandson James S. Campbell, Esq. 
Mr. Dunlop purchased the farm formerly owned and 
occupied by Dr. Joseph White, and now owned and 
occupied by his son-in-law Jacob Livingston, Esq. 

It may here be observed, that one of the first move- 
ments of this little colony was the organization of a 
church, under the pastoral charge of Mr. Dunlop, and 
the erection of a rude edifice of logs, in which they 
assembled to worship the God of their fathers. In 
his own house Mr. Dunlop opened a classical school, 
and there educated some young men from the Ger- 
man families on the Mohawk, who afterward, and 
especially during the Revolution, acted conspicuous 
parts. Among the number were Col. Henry and Ma- 
jor John Frey. It is worthy of especial remembrance 
that in this valley the first regular society was organ- 
ized for religious worship in the English language, 
and the first classical school established in central or 
western New York. I have not been able to find ah 
account of any other church or school at that early 
day, between this place and the immediate vicinity 
of the Hudson River, though there may have been 
classical schools at Schenectady. The church organ- 
ized under the patronage of Sir William Johnson, at 
Johnstown, was not founded until about 1765. 



374 APPENDIX TO 

The conduct of our fathers in the establishment of 
churches and schools, is the best evidence of the spirit 
with which the foundations of this settlement were 
laid. Virtue and knowledge, the two great pillars of 
republican institutions, were in the very commence- 
ment the object of their pursuit. They sought to 
plant here, in the centre of the wilderness, the seeds of 
Christianity and civilization. Their aim was noble — 
their enterprise was worthy, and deserved success. 
Their numbers were small — their means were lim- 
ited. But their hearts were undaunted — their cour- 
age did not forsake them — their minds had been 
made up for the undertaking — they resolved to be, 
and they were, successful. 

Settlements were not then, as now, thrown forward 
almost with the rapidity of the earth's own motion, so 
that a frontier hamlet of to-day becomes a city with a 
densely peopled country around it to-morrow. On 
the contrary, the encroachments upon the wilderness, 
and upon the home of the red man, previous to the 
Revolution, were made slowly and with great caution. 
The white population advanced along the banks of 
the rivers and the margins of the tributary streams. 
Occasionally, as was the case with this settlement, a 
few families, more adventurous, might plunge further 
into what was then termed the desert^ and relying for 
protection on the God of hosts and their own right 
arm, plant tliere the foundations of the white man's 
home. But the increase of these frontier settlements 
was very slow. In 1752, twelve }^ears after the first 
settlement of Cherry Valley, there were but eight 
families in tlie place. In 1765, they liad increased to 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 375 

forty families. The number in 1775, and at the com- 
mencement of the war, I do not know, but probably 
it did not exceed sixty families. 

In 1744, Mr. John Wells removed to Cherry Val- 
ley. He purchased of Mr. Lindesay the farm occu- 
pied by him, and called Lindesay 's Bush, being the 
same farm now owned and occupied by Mr. Joseph 
Phelon. Mr. Wells was a man of fine character, 
and was highly respected in the settlement. He was 
appointed the first justice of the peace. His son 
Robert iutermarried with a daughter of the Rev. Mr. 
Dunlop, and of this marriage, among other children, 
was John Wells, one of the most distinguished and 
able lawyers whom the State of New York has pro- 
duced. His history, I trust, is familiar to all who 
hear me. You have heard of the destruction of his 
whole family, of his subsequent labors, his compara- 
tive obscurity in his profession, until an opportunity 
was afforded for a display of his talents and genius, 
in his defense of the celebrated James Cheatliam, 
editor of the American Citizen; when, as it were, 
with a single bound, he rose from that comparative 
obscurity to professional eminence. That distinguish- 
ed lawyer always cherished a warm affection for this 
the place of his birth, and it w^as his intention, had his 
life been spared for a few years longer, to have pur- 
chased the property of his ancestors, and to have re- 
tired from his profession, and spent here the closing 
years of his life amid the scenes of his boyhood. 

From 1740 down tD 1775, (as has already been 
stated,) the population of Cherry Valley increased 



376 APPENDIX TO 

slowly. That period bad been one of considerable 
excitement, alarm and trial. 

The long and bloody wars between England and 
France had been carried forward. The battle-lield 
was transferred from Europe to America, and the con- 
test for national supremacy was maintained with re- 
newed vigor amid the forest homes of our fathers, and 
upon their inland seas. Most of the Indian tribes at 
the north, allured away by the French Jesuits, and 
by the liberal presents of the so-styled Grand Monarch 
of France, took up the hatchet against the English 
and Americans. The frontier inhabitants were kept 
under almost constant apprehension, and though the 
settlement of Cherry Valley escaped destruction, yet 
the inhabitants were called into service, and exchang- 
ed the peaceable pursuits of agriculture for the ex- 
citements and dangers of the camp, and were engaged 
in distant and hazardous expeditions. When the 
war of the Revolution commenced. Cherry Valley 
was still a frontier settlement. A few inhabitants 
were settled in the present town of Springfield ; a few 
in Middlefield, then called Newtown Martin. Along 
the banks of the Susquehanna, and in the valley of 
Unadilla and Otego creeks, a few settlers were found, 
and the brave and hardy family of Harpers had gone 
out from Cherry Valley and planted a little colony at 
Harpersfield ; but Cherry Valley was considered the 
centre and gathering-place of all these settlers. 

When the period arrived that the united colonies of 
North America were compelled to take up arms to 
maintain their rights, the announcement produced 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 377 

necessarily a deep emotion through the frontier set- 
tlements. 

War at all times is to be deprecated, and, if possible, 
avoided. In the case of our Revolution, war became 
justifiable on our part. Th^ great principles of civil 
and religious liberty, for which our ancestors contend- 
ed in tlie old world, and which they sought to plant 
here in the new, were invaded. The crisis had arrived 
when their rights must be surrendered, or the ques- 
tion must be tried by a long and bloody civil war. 
The minds of men were early made up for the con- 
test. In this section of country, the perils and trials 
of the inhabitants were probably greater than in any 
other section of the Union. The Six Nations of In- 
dians, who early joined the English, were the most 
powerful and warlike of the aboriginal inhabitants. 
Yet, in defiance of danger, and undismayed by threats 
of vengeance, the inhabitants of Tryon County ral- 
lied together when the indications of the gathering 
storm were seen only in the distance. 

If you will consider what was then the situation of 
that county, sparsely populated, and separated from 
the Hudson River and the Eastern States by a power- 
ful tribe of Indians, and a large body of men attached 
to the English cause, organized and commanded by 
influential and experienced men, and will then look 
at the early proceedings of their committee of safety, 
you will find exhibited a fearlessness and determina- 
tion of spirit almost unparalleled even in that day of 
self-sacrificing and heroic devotion to country. Read 
the proceedings of the Palatine committee, as early 
as 27th August, 1774, two years before the Declara- 
17 



378 APPENDIX TO 

lion of Independence, when they asserted fearlessly 
their rights, and bound themselves together to abide 
by all the regulations of the first Continental Con- 
gress. Read the resolutions of the same committee, 
passed May 21st, 1775, when, in answer to the threats 
of Guy Johnson, then Indian superintendent, they 
resolved, '^ that as we abhor a state of slavery, we do 
join and unite together under all the ties of religion, 
honor, justice, and a love of freedom, never to become 
slaves, and to defend our freedom with our lives and 
fortunes." 

When the time, the place, and the circumstances 
are considered under which that comnnttee met and 
passed the resolutions referred to, I think you will 
conclude with me that they are unparalleled. In 
their tone and sentiment they would have done credit 
to any provincial assembly, or even to the Continen- 
tal Congress itself. The original draft of these reso- 
lutions I found many years since in a neglected spot 
in the garret of the house of Major John Frey, and I 
have deposited the manuscript among the archives 
of the New York Historical Society, that it may re- 
main as a memorial of the noble spirit of Tryon Coun- 
ty. It is in the handwriting of Christopher P. Yates, 
who was an eminent and able patriot. But if he had 
done nothing besides being the author and advocate of 
these resolutions, his name and his memory should be 
warmly cherished in this section of country where 
you dwell. 

Here, in Cherry Valley, the leading citizejis early 
embraced the colonial cause. In May, 1775, the 
common article of association was circulated, in which 



ANxNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 379 

the signers pledged themselves to support the Conti- 
nental Congress. It is unnecessary here, and indeed 
I have not time to detail the progress of the war, dur- 
ing the first years of-»its continuance. A fort was 
erected which occupied a portion of the present burial 
ground, and which was garrisoned by a regiment of 
continental troops under the command of Col. Alden. 
Alarms and rumors were the order of the day. This 
region of country seems early to have been marked 
out for destruction, and the settlement of Cherry Val- 
ley, after repeated alarms, was destined to share the 
common fate of the frontier hamlets of New York. 

The 11th of November, 1778, has been rendered 
memorable by the sacrifices and sufferings, and death 
of many of the early settlers of this valley. On the 
morning of that day no bright sun gilded the moun- 
tain tops with his beams, nor was the eye gladdened 
with the view of the rich tints of autumn. Clouds 
and mists were round about the homes of our fathers, 
as if veiling the horrid scenes which on that day were 
to be enacted. The gun from the fort early in the 
morning announced that the enemy was near. The 
scouts had been surprised and taken, and the yell of 
the Indian, and the report of his rifle, heralded his 
approach to the garrison. The scattered inhabitants, 
most of them, unarmed, strove to gain places of actual 
or fancied security, but generally in vain. Some 
reached the fort and were saved, others were pursued 
and slain by the wayside, and the tomahawk and 
scalping-knife drank the blood of others at their o\vn 
fireside, and even while kneeling in prayer before 
their Maker. Others were retained as hostages or 



380 AITEMJIX TO 

prisoners, to l)e borne away through the wilderness 
to take up their abode with savages, and to sufifer a 
tedious and dreadful captivity. I have endeavored, in 
the history which I have heretofore presented to my 
fellow citizens, of the border wars of this State, to give 
a picture of this valley on the night succeeding the 
day of the massacre. The place chosen for encamp- 
ment of tlie enemy was about two miles south of the 
village, and near the site of the dwelling-house of 
James Dickson. The prisoners were gathered around 
the watch-fires, drenched with the rain and sleet, and 
shivering with cold, with no protection from the storm. 
Thick darkness covered the valley, except when some 
gust of wind kindled a flame for a moment amid the 
dying embers, and thus marked the spots where once 
had been their homes. The mangled corpses of rela- 
tives and neighbors lay unburied around the ashes of 
their dwellings. Their own fate was hid from them. 
They knew not whether a long captivity awaited 
them, or whether on the morrow they should be offer- 
ed up as sacrifices to appease the wrath or gratify the 
passions of their enemies. I can imagine no state of 
suspense more awful. Mercy, however, in a measure 
triumphed, and a portion of the prisoners were releas- 
ed, and the rest were carried into captivity, and ena- 
bled to return after the lapse of many years. Be- 
tween thirty and forty of the inhabitants were killed 
on the 11th of November. It is unnecessary at this 
time to give their names. 

On the following day their corpses were gathered 
together, and under the protection of the garrison 
were deposited m a common grave. It would liave 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 381 

been very gratifying if, on this occasion, we could have 
laid the corner-stone of a moninnent to mark the 
place of their burial, and which, while it commemo- 
rated the death of those who perished on the 11th of 
November, 1778, might have endured also as a me- 
morial of the anniversary which we this day cele- 
brate. 

This destruction of the settlement closed the Revo- 
lutionary drama at Cherry Valley. The small fort 
was abandoned in the following summer, and the 
troops joined General James Clinton's detachment, 
when on his way to join Gen. Sullivan, in the famous 
expedition against the Six Nations in 1779. This 
whole region of country was swept over by an ever 
active and vindictive enemy. At the close of the 
Revolution, and when peace was once more restored, 
the remnant of the inhabitants returned to their former 
homes, but war, and disease, and poverty had done 
their fearful work, and many a once familiar face was 
never again seen round the domestic hearth. In 
1784 a few log houses were built by the inhabitants 
who had returned, and in the same year the immortal 
Washington honored our little valley with a visit. 
He came up from the Mohawk River for the purpose 
of visiting this place, and also examining the outlet of 
Lake Otsego, where, in 1779, Gen. James Clinton 
threw a dam across the Susquehanna, preparatory to 
his descent of that river. 

It has already been stated that the first inhabitants 
of Cherry Valley were mostly religious people. Like 
the Puritans of New England they w^re watchful and 
jealous of any infraction of Christian duties. Many 



382 APPENDIX TO 

of my hearers will have read the letter addressed by 
the committee of safety of Cherry Valley to the general 
committee of Tryon County. It was as follows: 

'^ Cherry Valley, June 9th, 1775. 
*' Sirs, 
'^We received yours of yesterday relative to the 
meeting of the committee on Sunday, which surprised 
us not a little, inasmuch as it seems not to be on 
any alarming circumstance, which, if it was, we should 
readily attend. But as that does not appear to us to 
be the case, we think it very improper ; for unles the 
necessity of the committee sitting superexceed the 
duties to be performed in attending the worship of 
God, we think it ought to be put off till another day ; 
and therefore we conclude not to give our attendance 
at this time, unless you adjourn the sitting of the com- 
mittee till Monday morning, and in that case we will 
give our attendance as early as you please. But 
otherwise we cannot allow ourselves to be cut short of 
attending on the public worship, except the case be 
so necessitous as to exceed sacrifice. We conclude 
with wishing success to the common cause, and sub- 
scribe ourselves the free-born sons of liberty. 

John Moore, 
Samuel Clyde, 
Samuel Campbell." 

I have introduced this letter for the purpose of call- 
ing attention more particularly to a meeting of the 
inhabitants in 1785, after the storm of war had passed 
over, and when quiet and peace once more rested 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 383 

upon the borders. Neither war, nor exile, nor pov- 
erty had caused them to forget their Christian duties, 
or the importance of religious societies. 

On the 5th of April, 1785, a public meeting of the 
citizens was held, the objects of which will be best 
explained by the record made at the time. It is as 
follows : 

'^ We, the ancient inhabitants of Cherry Valley, in 
the county of Montgomery, and State of New York, 
having returned from exile, find ourselves destitute of 
our church officers, viz : deacons and elders. In con- 
sequence of our difficulties, and other congregations 
in similar circumstances, our Legislature thought 
proper to pass a law for the relief of these, viz : ' An 
act to incorporate all religious societies,' passed April 
6th, 1784. In compliance of said act we proceeded 
follows : 

" ADVERTISEMENT. 

*' At a meeting of a respectable number of the old 
inhabitants of Cherry Valley, it was agreed upon that 
an advertisement should be set up, to give notice to all 
the former inhabitants that are returned to their re- 
spective habitations, to meet at the meeting-house yard 
on Tuesday, the fifth day of April next, at ten o'clock, 
before noon, then and there to choose trustees, who 
shall be a body corporate for the purpose of taking 
care of the temporalities of their respective Presbyte- 
rian congregation, agreeable to an act of the Legis- 
lature of the State of New York, passed April sixth, 
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four. 

Samuel Clyde, 
Justice of the Peace. 

Cherry Valley, March 19/A, 1785." 



38-4 ^ APPENDIX TO 

" Cherry Valley, April bth, 1785. 
''' 1st. The congregation being met agreeable to 
the above advertisement, proceeded as follows, viz : 
The congregation having no minister, nor elders, or 
deacons, at present, by reason of death and removal of 
such in the late war, we, the people at large, did 
nominate and elect the following two members of the 
congregation to be the returning officers and judges of 
the qualification of the electors of said meeting : 
Col. Samuel Campbell, 
William Dickson. 

''2d. Proceeded as follows at the said meeting, and 
have nominated Col. Samuel Clyde, John Campbell, 
Jr., and James Wilson, to be the trustees for said con- 
gregation. The trustees appointed James Cannon as 
clerk for said board." 

'' Cherry Valley, April bth, 1785. 
" At a meeting of the inhabitants of Cherry Valley 
this day, the undermentioned were elected trustees for 
the Presbyterian congregation : 

Samuel Clyde, Esq. 
John Campbell, Jr. 
James Wilson. 

^' Electors^ JYames. — Robert Shankland, William 
Thompson, Samuel Ferguson, James Moore, Jr., 
John Campbell, Jr., Hugh Mitchell, William Gault, 
James Cannon, Samuel Campbell, Jr., Samuel Clyde, 
Esq., Samuel Campbell, William Dickson, James 
Dickson, Daniel McCollum, John McKillip, Israel 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. ggS 

Wilson, Luther Rich, James Wilson, Thomas Whita- 
ker, Benjamin Dickson, John Dunlop." 

'' Cherry Valley, Jlpril bth, 1785. 

" To all whom it doth or may concern. Greeting: 
We, Samuel Campbell and William Dickson, return- 
ing officers, by virtue of the law of this State, entitled 
an act to enable all the religious denominations in this 
State to appoint trustees, who shall be a body corpo- 
rate for the purpose of taking care of the temporalities 
of their respective congregations, and for other pur- 
poses therein mentioned ; passed the sixth day of 
April, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, 
of the Presbyterian congregation of Cherry Valley, in 
the county of Montgomery, do hereby certify that 
Samuel Clyde, John Campbell Jr., and James Wil- 
son, were duly and legally elected trustees of said 
congregation, and that the said trustees and their suc- 
cessors shall forever hereafter he a body corporate, and 
he called, distinguished, and known by the name and 
title of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Cherry 
Valley, in the County of Montgomery. 

^' Given under our hands and seals this fifth day of 
April, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five. 
Samuel Campbell. [L.S.] 
William Dickson. [L.S.]" 

Measures were soon after taken for buildiner a 
church edifice, but it was not completed until some 
years after. The plan adopted seems to have been 
to sell pew ground, and with the proceeds to erect 
the building, each purchaser ^of pew ground stipula- 
17* 



386 APPENDIX TO 

ling to construct his own pew thereon, according to a 
uniform plan, after the building should be enclosed. 
The purchaser of pew ground was to pay partly 
in money, and partly in produce at the market price. 
Many of my hearers will recollect the old church, with 
its square, high-back pews, which occupied a part of the 
burying-ground, or meeting-house yard, as it is styled 
in the foregoing proceedings, and which was taken 
down about twelve or thirteen years ago, when the 
present Presbyterian church edifice was erected. 

The meeting of the inhabitants of Cherry Valley 
on the 5th of April, 1785, is deserving of particular 
attention. The remnant of the ancient inhabitants, 
as they styled themselves, had returned to their former 
homes. They had returned, they say, from exile. 
The long and bloody war through which they had 
passed, had thinned their ranks and whitened the 
heads, and furrowed the cheeks of the survivors. 
They had once more a home, but it was again a forest 
home. 

The wild beast had made its lair amid the ruins of 
their former dwellings. The briar, the thistle and 
the sapling grew rank upon their garden spots. In 
the autumn of 1784 a few log huts had been built, but 
in the spring of 1785, Avhen this meeting was called, 
there was no building in the settlement where the in- 
habitants could assemble together. They met, there- 
fore, like their fathers, under the open heavens. 

The place where they gathered together was hal- 
lowed ground. It had been set apart for the burial of 
their dead. The graves of their kindred and friends 
were round about them. It was the place which had 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. ^^1 

been consecrated by tbeir patriotism, for there stood 
their little fort. 

On that same spot the inhabitants assembled to- 
gether and organized anew, on the 5th day of April, 
1785, that Presbyterian society which has continued 
to this day. 

The first regular pastor was settled in 1796, and he 
was our reverend and distinguished guest,* who has 
this day honored our little valley with his presence, 
and who, nearly half a century ago, commenced here 
his sacred ministrations, and preached here the gos- 
pel to our fathers. Long may his valuable life be 
spared to the church, and to the literary institution 
over which he has long presided with so much ability 
and success. 

From 1785 down to the present time, our valley 
has not been signalized by any remarkable changes. 
The increase of population has been gradual though 
constant. It has not increased in this town and 
county as in that vast country west, which has since 
that period sprung into being, and is now teeming 
with millions of people. Our own little valley has 
contributed to swell that western tide, and she num- 
bers there many engaged in the various pursuits of 
life, and among the learned professions many who 
received here their academical or professional edu- 
cation. 

Of the first settlers, the late Col. Samuel Campbell 
was the last survivor. Of his character I shall not 
speak at length, but I may be permitted to say that 

* Rev. Dr. Nott, President of Union College. 



388 APPENDIX TO 

he was a true patriot and an excellent citizen. He 
served in the French war, and was with Sir William 
Johnson at Fort Edward in 1757, at the time of the 
massacre at Fort William Henry. During the stormy 
period of the Revolution he was an active and efficient 
friend of his country, and at its close found himself 
stripped of most of his property. Again he com- 
menced his laborious life, and lived to see a large and 
prosperous family around him. He was but three 
years old when he came with his father to this town 
in 1741. He closed his eventful life in September, 
1824, at the age of 86. 

While he was the last of the first settlers, his aged 
consort, who died a few years since, at the age of 92, 
may be said to have been the last survivor of the fe- 
male actors in the Revolutionary drama of our valley. 

She was born near the Giant's Causeway in Ire- 
land, ^id when about ten years of age she removed 
with her father, Matthew Cannon, to this country. 
Her settlement, her marriage, her heroic fortitude and 
attachment to her country, her long and severe In- 
dian captivity, are circumstances upon which I need 
not dwell ; her friends and her descendants cherish 
her memory with ardent affection. 

Col. Samuel Clyde was an able and efficient co- 
worker in the Revolutionary struggle. He was a 
stern and inflexible patriot, and exerted a large influ- 
ence in this district of country. He was appointed the 
first justice of the peace after the war. He, too, in 
in his Revolutionary toils, was aided and supported 
by his courageous and patriotic wife. 

John Moore was another sterling man. While na- 



ANNALS OF Til YON COUNTY. 389 

ture had been sparing in her physical gifts, she had 
endowed him with a strong and vigorous intellect, 
which liad been well cultivated, considering the cir- 
cumstances in which he was placed. 

Of the Rev. Samuel Dunlop I have already spoken. 
He was an educated man, and for nearly forty years 
ministered to the early settlers. 

At the time of the massacre his family were slain. 
He alone with one daughter escaped. Under the 
protection of an Indian chief he stood and beheld the 
destruction of his earthly hopes, his home, and the 
homes of his friends, melt away with the flames. 

" Calm, opposite, the Christian father rose ; 
Pale on his venerable brow its rays 
Of martyr light the conflagration throws ; 
One hand upon his lovely child he lays. 
* * « * * 

He for his bleeding country prays to Heaven — 
Prays that the men of blood themselves may be forgivip." 

He survived the massacre but a short time. The 
misfortunes of that day carried down his grey hairs 
with sorrow to the grave. 

Of the brave and determined Captain Robert 
M'Kean, what shall we say ; of him who knew no 
danger and feared no man ; who challenged to the 
combat the great chieftain and captain of the Six Na- 
tions, Jospeh Brant Thayendanagea? What shall 
we say of the eccentric though fearless Robert Shank- 
land, who defended his house single-handed, with the 
exception of his son,* a lad of 14, against a consid- 

* The late Thomas Shankland, of Cooperstown. 



390 APPENDIX TO 

erable body of Indians, and who abandoned it only 
when it was about to be consumed over him by the 
flames? Where are they all, with the Gaults and the 
Dicksons, and the Ramseys and the Wilsons, who 
first planted here the seeds of civilization ? These 
are questions of a solemn nature, which crowd them- 
selves upon our minds upon occasions like the present. 
The century has rolled away and left its impress for 
good or for evil. Of the early settlers not one sur- 
vives. Their children and their children's children 
occupy the places of some, and the voices of strangers 
are heard in the dwellings of others. Tliey have all 
been gathered to their resting-places, and the ashes 
of most of them sleep quietly in yonder grave-yard. 
The clods of the valley are upon them, to be removed 
only at the general resurrection. 

"The breezy call of incense-breathing morn, 

The swallow twittering from her straw-built shed, 
The cock's shrill clarion and the echoing horn, 
No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed." 

In the last ten years, what ravages has death made 
in our little valley ! I miss, amid the scenes of my 
childhood, many of the familiar faces of those who 
once greeted my return to the home of my fathers. 
They are also numbered with the great host of the 
departed, and their places are fast filling with those 
who knew them not. Among the leading men we 
might mention the elder and younger Drs. White, 
both eminent physicians; Col. .Tames Cannon ; Isaac 
Seelye, Esq., and James O. Morse, Esq., both able 
lawyers ; Jesse Johnson, Erastus Johnson, William C. 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 391 

Dickson, William Story, Alfred Crafts, with many 
others who but a clay since were living, and whose 
faces it seems as if I ought now to see before me. 

James 0. Morse, Esq. alwa3'S took a deep interest 
in the liistory of this place, and in the character of its 
early inhabitants. He was born in Marlboro', in the 
county of Middlesex, Massachusetts, in 1788, and re- 
moved with his parents, when five years of age, to the 
county of Oneida, in this State, and when that county 
was almost a wilderness. Familiar as he was with 
the biographies of most of the frontier inhabitants who 
had in any way distinguished themselves, his conver- 
sation, in relation to such subjects was peculiarly 
interesting and instructive. Many years ago he spoke 
to me of this anniversary, and had his life been spared 
he would have taken a deep interest in the proceed- 
ings of this day. 

Allow me to mention another name connected di- 
rectly with the first settlement of Cherry Valley ; I 
mean Deacon John Gault. Humble w^as his sphere 
of life. Poverty, and many of the ills which flesh is 
heir to, sickness and decrepitude, were his portion on 
the earth. But with a Christian spirit which rose 
above them all, he drank with cheerfulness the cup 
given him to drink in life, and looked forward with 
peace and joy to that better world where sorrow and 
sighing are no more ; where the wicked cease from 
troubling, and the weary are at rest. Who has not 
observed his cheerful and contented countenance, as 
he entered the sanctuary on a Sabbath morn, leaning 
on his staff, his only aid while plodding along over 
the tedious miles which intervened between his resi- 



392 APPENDIX TO 

dence and that sanctuary ? Who has not listened to 
his truly eloquent and appropriate prayers? If he was 
a Christian, he was also a patriot. This day he would 
have delighted to honor. But he, too, our old and 
familiar friend, has heen gathered to his fathers in 
peace. His virtues should be imitated, for they were 
great, and it is but fitting that on this occasion this 
passing tribute should be paid to his memory. 

We miss also many others who commenced with 
us the race of life. A part of them still live, and are 
plirsuing their various occupations either in our own 
wide-spread country, or in distant lands. Many of 
them also have gone the way of all the living. Some 
died at home in the presence of their friends, and 
sleep now quietly beside those who gave them being. 
Others have been cut oft' in the prime of life, and have 
fallen far away from their kindred ; and one,* endear- 
ed to many of us by her talents, her piety, and her 
moral courage, has recently departed, and her re- 
mains repose in the cemetery of the Nestorian Chris- 
tians, within the sacred precincts of the first Christian 
Church planted by the Magi of Persia, and within 
the confines of that city in Central Asia, where the 
far-famed Zoroaster, in ages gone by, first lit up the 
fires of philosophy. 

We might add many other names to the list. As we 
run over the catalogue of departed relatives and friends, 
we are forcibly reminded how frail and brittle is the 
cord which binds us to life. In the morning we see 



* Mrs. Grant, adopted daughter of Dr. William Campbell, of Cherry 
Valley, and late missionary at Oroomiah, Persia. 



ANNALS OF TKYON COUiNTY. 393 

our friends around us, and in health, and ere the sun 
goes down, the golden bowl is broken at the cistern, 
the dust returns to the dust from whence it was taken, 
and the spirit unto God who gave it. 

Of this large assembly now before me, in all human 
probability not one will open his eyes upon the morn- 
ing of the 4th of July, 1940. Long ere that, even the 
inscriptions upon our tombstones may be obliterated, 
and our descendants may look in vain for the green 
hillocks which mark our resting-places. 

But as those who gave us being, labored and toiled 
for our best interests, so our duty is to transmit to those 
who shall come after us, the inheritance which we 
have received, of a free government, religious liberty, 
and all the blessings of civilization. To discharge 
that duty successfully, we should, as far as it is in our 
power, labor to advance the cause of virtue and edu- 
cation, find in this respect to follow in the footsteps of 
our fathers. 

The age in which we live, is an age of bustle, toil 
and enterprise. But it is by no means a merely use- 
ful or a superficial age. The great principles of civil 
liberty, of the rights of conscience, and of freedom of 
opinion, were never better understood, or more prac- 
tically enforced. 

It is an age, too, when much is required of us all. 
Yes, of us, a part and parcel of that great Anglo- 
Saxon race, which now bids fair to carry our own 
native language and its literature over a great part of 
the world. Over all the North American continent — 
along the shores of the Pacific, in the West Indies, in 
Great Britain, over the eastern cpast of Africa, at the 



394 ' APPENDIX TO 

Cape of Good Hope, throughout many of the islands 
of the Pacific, and along the southern part of Asia, 
the language which we speak is fast spreading itself, 
and bids fair to become in these regions the only lan- 
guage. Like Aaron's rod it is swallowing up the 
rest. 

What changes have been produced during the last 
hundred years ! Society has been revolutionized 
throughout the greater part of the civilized world. 
The political elements of all Europe have been vio- 
lently agitated, and though the forms of government 
have not been materially altered, the freedom of the 
citizen has been in many instances greatly enlarged. 
In our own country, the changes, as we run over them 
with a rapid glance, appear to have been magical. 
Our own Empire State, which in 1740 was an Eng- 
lish colony, and numbering little more than one hun- 
dred thousand souls, now tells her children »by mil- 
lions. The scattered English colonies of North 
America, then feeble, and with some million and a 
half of people, stretching for thousands of miles along 
the sea-board, and looking up to England for support 
and protection, as infant children to a mother, now 
present the proud spectacle of a united nation, stand- 
ing in the front rank, with her canvass whitening 
every sea, with vast resources, with gigantic internal 
improvements in the separate States, and with nearly 
twenty millions of freemen reposing in security be- 
neath the folds of her star-spangled banner. 

Could we be permitted to draw aside the curtain 
which veils futurity and look into coming years — 
could we cause to pass before us, as a moving pano- 



ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY. 395 

rama, our country as it will present itself a hundred 
years hence, what an interesting view should we be- 
hold ! For myself, I can but believe that we shall 
continue a united people, that the strong ties of inter- 
est which have hitherto bound us together, will con- 
tinue unbroken, and be strengthened by the continu- 
ally increasing facilities of communication between 
the distant parts of our widely extended country. In 
that event this nation, judging from the past, will in 
all probability occupy the greater part of all North 
America; will number at least fifty millions of inhabi- 
tants, and stand in the van of the civilized nations of 
the earth. 

We are here a small community, and our influence 
and our elTorts may not be widely felt; but while we 
live, we can labor in our various circles to promote 
peace and harmony among the different States of our 
Union, and, dying, we can leave the injunction to our 
children. We can urge upon them to look back upon 
their common descent, to consider their common in- 
heritance, and to look forward to a common destiny. 

And standing here, and looking back upon the cen- 
tury which has just ended, and upon its history, which 
is certain ; and looking forward to the century before 
us, whose history is uncertain ; may I not in the name 
of this assembly invoke and enjoin the rising genera-: 
tion, our children, and our children's children, to 
preserve unimpaired the institutions which we com- 
mit to them, and to maintain unbroken our glorious 
Union ? 

To them T would say, as you enter into possession 
of this goodly land ; as you walk forth and look upon 



396 APPENDIX &C. 

the hill and upon ihe valley, upon the river rolling 
in power, and upon the hrook that sparkles at your 
feet ; as you listen to the sighing of the breeze as it 
moves gently thiough the forest, and to the music of 
the feathered songsters, as they warble forth their 
notes of praise — when the breath of the morning fans 
you, and you inhale the scented air as it comes to 
you over the green meadow and the opening flower — 
remember that these blessings, though in some degree 
common to all mankind, are no less the special gift 
to you from your Creator, and that for the same bless- 
ings your fathers returned thanks to the great Giver 
of t-hem all. 

As you enter upon the glorious inheritance of civil 
and religious liberty, upon the blessings and enjoy- 
ments of Christianity and civilization, and behold the 
proud monuments of your country's greatness, may 
you remember that in by-gone times your ancestors 
toiled and sacrificed their property and their lives in 
the purchase of that inheritance, and that they thus 
consecrated it by their tears, their prayers, and their 
blood ! 

We commit then that inheritance to your keeping. 
It is your as well as our birthright. And may he who 
at the close of another hundred 3^ears shall be permit- 
ted to stand up and deliver over to his fellow-citizens 
the record of that century, be enabled to say, as we can 
this day. Blessed be the land of our birth, and bless- 
ed be the memory, and honored be the names of those 
who have entrusted that inheritance to us ! 



